Port Elizabeth Int. Airport
| IATA Code | PLZ |
| ICAO Code | FAPE |
| Location | About five minutes by car to the south of the CBD |
| Runways | 01/19 1980m 17/35 1677m |
| Radio Frequencies |
TWR 118.1 APRON 122.65 ATIS 112.9/126.8 APP 120.4 |
| Passengers per year | ≈1.200.000 |
| Movements per year | ≈19.000 |
| Airlines | Six South African operators |
| Interesting facts | Called "Ten Minute Airport", because of proximity to CBD |
A highlight in Port Elizabeth's history was the first flight to Port Elizabeth from Cape Town in 1917, made by Lieutenant Colonel Allister Mackintosh Miller. At that time, this was considered a long distance flight, and it heralded the start of civil aviation industry in Port Elizabeth.
Port Elizabeth International Airport was established in 1929 in close proximity to the city. It was initially founded by Lieutenant Colonel Miller, who needed an airfield to operate his postal service between the city and Cape Town. It was only officially opened some nine years later, in 1936, boasting a single runway, one hangar and a concrete apron.
During World War II, the airfield was extended to accommodate 42 Air School Royal Air Force and 6 Squadron South African Air Force on the southern and eastern sides of the field, while the commercial operation was conducted from the northern side. 1954 saw the landing of the first jet-propelled aircraft - five De Havilland Vampire FB9s.
Construction of the present terminal buildings, runways and an air traffic control building began in 1950. The commercial operation was moved to an airfield at St Albans, some 25km from the city centre, for the construction period. The new buildings were officially opened in 1955.
In 1973 the apron was extended to accommodate larger aircraft and a new departures terminal was opened in 1980.
The airport currently handles about 1.2 million passengers per year, with over 19.000 air traffic movements. Business travelers account for 60 percent of all passengers, while 80 percent of people passing through the airport reside in South Africa. It is expected that this share will change as tourism impacts on the region.
The airport handles some 822 798 kg of cargo per month, mostly to and from Johannesburg. Mail and courier parcels are also flown to and from other airports. Cargo includes flowers, frozen lobster, meat, ostrich skins and mushrooms.
The airport infrastructure boasts a runway of 1980m, 13 parking bays on the apron and terminals measuring 8 700 square metres.
In 2002, plans and a R30 million budget to upgrade the terminal were approved. This upgrade will result in an ultra-modern terminal, able to handle up to 1.5 million passengers per year.
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