Pietermaritzburg Airport: Midlands Quick Fly In
Introduction
Pietermaritzburg Airport (IATA: PZB) is the primary airport serving Pietermaritzburg, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. As the only airport to service scheduled passenger flights in Pietermaritzburg, this airport fulfills an important role linking this dynamic city with all regions of South Africa and beyond.
Airlines and Destinations
At present, there is only one non-stop destination from Pietermaritzburg Airport to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International (IATA code JNB). The 171-mile (275 km) route is operated by Airlink and has a flight time of nearly 1 hour, 5 minutes.
Passenger Count and Flights Served
In the past few years, this airport has shown good passenger flow. As the figures vary, the airport handles quite small numbers of flights and passengers, but it still makes a substantial contribution to fulfilling regional demand for air travel.
How to Get Here
Pietermaritzburg Airport is perfectly situated only 3.17 km away from the city center, making it more accessible for local visitors as well as travelers visiting by air. The airport is served by private vehicles, as well as taxi and shuttle services to other locations in the Elqui Province.
Parking
The airport maintains a parking compound within its premises. Short-term and long-term parking options are available to accommodate the variety of travelers.
Transportation Prices
The cost of transportation to and from Pietermaritzburg Airport can differ based on the mode and type of transport used. The trips to and from the city center and the airport are reasonably priced for taxi fares, while shuttle services or rental cars could provide a better choice to suit personal travel requirements.
Terminal Layout
Pietermaritzburg Airport has one passenger terminal building which contains everything related to passengers, such as check-in desks, security gates, and the departure lounge.
Navigate the Airport
Pietermaritzburg Airport is easy to navigate. Signage in all areas of the terminal directs passengers to the various facilities, from check-in desks and security screening through to the departure lounge.
Getting Between Terminals
Passengers do not have to walk far between terminals, as Pietermaritzburg Airport has only one. The whole process is done within one building, which eliminates the need for long walks between airline check-in desks and security checkpoints.
Services and Amenities
Pietermaritzburg Airport offers facilities and amenities such as currency exchange, conventional toilets, and essential passenger waiting areas.
Restaurants and Shops
Although there are limited food and retail concessions at the airport, several dining and shopping options are available in close proximity to the terminal building.
Security and Customs
Standard security screening measures, including x-ray examination of hand luggage and checked-in baggage, will be conducted on passengers travelling through Pietermaritzburg Airport. International travelers may also need to go through customs clearance.
Accessibility
Pietermaritzburg Airport is equipped with facilities and services to cater for passengers who are physically challenged. The airport goes to great lengths to ensure that all passengers can navigate the terminal, including providing disability assistance.
Travel Tips
When departing from Pietermaritzburg Airport, make sure to leave sufficient time to process the check-in and security screenings. Passengers should also be aware of the airport's layout and services to ensure a smooth travel experience.