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Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport International Hub illustrationInternational Hub
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Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa
Explore Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) city guide Navigate to this airport
9
Routes out
4
Destinations
FAPE
ICAO
226 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Eastern Cape's main international gateway serving Gqeberha.

Opened
1934
Location
Gqeberha, South Africa
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, coded PLZ/FAPE, is the primary commercial airport serving Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and handles both domestic and limited international traffic. The airport was renamed in 2021 in honour of Chief Dawid Stuurman, a Khoi leader and resistance figure. It serves as an important hub for tourism and business travel to the Eastern Cape, including access to the Garden Route and nearby game reserves. Domestic routes connect Gqeberha to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other South African cities, with the airport also handling some regional African services.
Terminals
The airport has a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international arrivals and departures.
Getting to & from
Ground transport options include metered taxis, private car hire, and shuttle services connecting the airport to Gqeberha city centre, approximately 5 km away.
Airlines here
Major carriers operating here include FlySafair, Airlink, and South African Airways, primarily on domestic routes.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport was renamed from Port Elizabeth Airport to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in 2021.
  • ›Chief Dawid Stuurman was a 19th-century Khoi resistance leader and the first known South African to be deported to Australia.
  • ›The airport is operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
  • ›It is situated approximately 5 km from the Gqeberha city centre.
  • ›The airport serves as a key entry point for tourists visiting the Addo Elephant National Park and the Garden Route.
Official website Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (4 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

PLZ → CPTBA · 733
PLZ → JNBBA · 733 734
PLZ → DURBA · 733
PLZ → JNBJE · 733 738
PLZ → CPTJE · 733
PLZ → DURSA · CR2
PLZ → JNBSA · 319 320 733 738
PLZ → CPTSA · 733
PLZ → ELSSA · J41
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City & Place Guide

Friendly City on the Wild Coast with beaches and wildlife

Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, is a coastal city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, bordering Algoa Bay. Known as the Friendly City, it blends a relaxed beachside atmosphere with rich history, Xhosa culture, and easy access to world-class game reserves.

The city serves as a gateway to the Addo Elephant National Park, one of South Africa's top Big Five destinations, and sits at the western edge of the celebrated Garden Route. Its long sandy beaches, mild climate, and affordable tourism infrastructure make it an appealing destination for both adventure seekers and families.

Gqeberha has undergone a cultural revival, with its township tours, emerging arts scene, and the renaming of landmarks reflecting its Xhosa heritage. Visitors find a genuine, unhurried South African city that rewards those who explore beyond the obvious.

  • •Addo Elephant National Park — Big Five game drives just 72 km from the city
  • •Bayworld Museum Complex — oceanarium, snake park, and maritime history exhibits
  • •Donkin Reserve — hilltop park with a pyramid memorial and panoramic bay views
  • •Sardinia Bay — pristine, wild beach ideal for hiking and solitude
  • •Kragga Kamma Game Park — accessible suburban reserve great for families
  • •Route 67 Public Art Trail — 67 artworks celebrating Nelson Mandela's legacy

Getting around: Public transport options are limited and best supplemented with rideshares. Uber operates reliably in the city. Minibus taxis are the main local mode of transport but can be confusing for first-time visitors. Car rental is strongly recommended for visiting Addo or the beaches, as there is no passenger rail service of practical use for tourists.

Best time: October through April offers the warmest weather and best beach conditions, though the city's mild climate makes it visitable year-round.

Local food: Try a traditional braai, fresh Algoa Bay linefish, bunny chow from local takeaways, and Xhosa dishes like umngqusho (samp and beans) at township eateries.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is an airport serving Gqeberha, a city in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. It was formerly known as H. F. Verwoerd Airport and Port Elizabeth International Airport. The airport is located approximately two miles south of the city's central business district.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification