King Phalo Airport Flight Tickets
East London, South Africa
About King Phalo Airport
King Phalo Airport (ELS) is an airport located in East London, South Africa. Compare the best flight ticket prices to King Phalo Airport with Tripuck.
Explore flight options to King Phalo Airport airport for your travel plans to East London. Compare prices from hundreds of airlines on a single page.
King Phalo Airport Summary
King Phalo Airport (ELS) is an airport serving East London in South Africa. Compare the best flight ticket prices to King Phalo Airport with Tripuck.
King Phalo Airport Guide
King Phalo Airport (IATA: ELS, ICAO: FAEL) is a major airport serving the city of East London in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The airport is located approximately 9-10 km from the city center and was renamed from East London Airport to King Phalo Airport on February 23, 2021. Its annual passenger capacity exceeded 714,000 for the 2022/2023 period. The airport, which operates an average of 20-30 flights per day, has two asphalt runways: 11/29 (1,939 m x 46 m) and 06/24 (1,585 m x 46 m). The airport's elevation is 133 meters (435 feet). King Phalo Airport plays an important role in regional transportation and offers various services to passengers. It meets passengers' needs with duty-free areas, shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Terminal Information
King Phalo Airport has a single terminal. This terminal primarily focuses on domestic flights, with limited international flights. Inside the terminal, there are check-in counters, shops, cafes, ATMs, and car rental offices. Airlines such as FlySafair, Airlink, and CemAir operate at the airport. Due to the compact structure of the terminal, passengers find it quite easy to transfer between domestic flights. The comfort and facilities offered by the terminal positively enhance passengers' travel experience.
Getting from Airport to City Center
Bus: There are regular bus services from King Phalo Airport to the city center of East London. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Services run every 30-60 minutes and operate from 06:00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening. For return trips to the airport from the city center, you can board at East London Terminal or similar main stops, with the same duration and frequency.
Taxi: Official taxi stands are located at the airport terminal exit. Taxis providing direct access to the city center of East London complete the journey in 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi services operate uninterrupted 24 hours a day. To call a taxi from the city center to the airport, you can board from streets near the terminal or from hotels, with the same duration applicable.
Uber/Bolt: You can use the airport Wi-Fi to call a vehicle via the Uber or Bolt apps. This service offers a comfortable transfer to the city center (CBD area). The journey takes approximately 15-25 minutes and can be requested at any time via the apps, operating 24 hours. For return trips to the airport from the city center, you can make a reservation from any location using the app.
Car Rental: Offices of companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz are located at the airport terminal. You can rent a car and drive yourself to the city center. The journey takes 15-20 minutes. Car rental offices are generally open between 06:00-22:00. Car returns are made at the terminal offices when returning from the city center to the airport.
Note: As King Phalo Airport (ELS) is a small regional airport, there is no metro or train line available. Private shuttle services may be limited or provided on demand, and regular service information is not confirmed. The most reliable options are taxis and rideshare apps.
Getting from City Center to Airport
Bus: Regular bus services run from the city center of East London (e.g., Fleet Street or Oxford Street) to the airport. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Buses depart every 30-60 minutes and operate from 06:00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening.
Taxi: You can use taxi services for transportation from the city center to the airport. The journey duration varies between 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. You can call a taxi from official taxi stands in the city center.
Uber/Bolt: You can make a quick and comfortable journey from the city center to the airport using the Uber or Bolt apps. These apps can be called at any time, and the journey takes approximately 15-25 minutes.
Car Rental: You can reach the airport with a rented car from car rental offices located in the city center. The journey takes between 15-20 minutes. Car returns are made at the airport offices.
Note: There is no metro or train access to King Phalo Airport. Therefore, the best transportation options are taxis, Uber/Bolt, and car rentals.
Lounges and Rest Areas
King Phalo Airport hosts a limited number of lounges in the domestic departures terminal. Bidvest Premier Lounge is located airside, after security control, on the ground floor by turning right at the end of the corridor. This lounge offers various services such as apron views, a smoking room, light meals and snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, and disabled access. Operating hours are between 08:00-18:00, and entry is limited based on space availability. Additionally, children under 2 years old are admitted free of charge. SAA Lounge is also located in the domestic departures terminal and serves certain airlines. These lounges provide passengers with a comfortable waiting area, enhancing their travel experience.