King Phalo Airport

Airport Airport

IATA Code
ELS
ICAO Code
FAEL
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
International

King Phalo Airport (formerly East London Airport) is the primary airport serving East London, South Africa. It operates from a single passenger terminal handling domestic flights and regional connections, with most passenger traffic focused on destinations within South Africa.

King Phalo Airport
Elevation: 132 m
-33.0356, 27.8259

Terminal Guide for King Phalo Airport #

The airport has one main passenger terminal that handles arrivals and departures for domestic and regional services. Check-in, security and gate areas are located within the same building; there is no internal train or shuttle between terminals because all operations are centralized.

Getting to and From King Phalo Airport #

The airport is a short drive from East London city centre - typically 10-20 minutes by road. Ground transport options include taxis, rental cars and hotel transfers.

  • Rail/Metro: None.
  • Buses: Local bus and minibus taxi networks connect the airport to the city.
  • Taxis: Taxis and metered services operate from the arrivals area; agree fares for longer trips.
  • Ride-share: Ride-share availability may be limited; check app coverage in advance.
  • Driving: Car rental desks are available at the terminal; parking is provided on-site.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at King Phalo Airport #

Facilities are focused on domestic travellers and shorter waits.

  • Lounges: Limited lounge facilities; mainly seating areas in departure zones.
  • Food & drink: Small cafes and grab-and-go outlets landside and airside.
  • Wi‑Fi: Public Wi‑Fi service is generally available.
  • Charging: Power outlets and charging stations in gate areas are available.
  • Luggage & accessibility: Basic baggage services and standard accessibility assistance on request.

Hotels and Layovers at King Phalo Airport #

East London’s hotels are concentrated in the city and beachfront areas roughly a 10-20 minute drive from King Phalo Airport. There is no large on-site airport hotel; most travellers stay in town and use taxis or hotel transfers.

Tips for King Phalo Airport #

  • Use the official taxi rank on arrival in East London; fares are typically negotiated or metered.
  • If you need car hire, book in advance - local availability can be limited during holiday periods.
  • Check domestic flight times carefully; this is a regional airport and some routes operate only on specific days.

Weather & Climate near King Phalo Airport #

Climate

King Phalo Airport's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (860 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 36 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJanuaryFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 25°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
11.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

88 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).

76 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.8h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
13.7h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 24°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
14.2h daylight

Nearby Cities #