Cheap Flights to Mthatha Airport (UTT)

Mthatha Airport (IATA: UTT, ICAO: FAUT) serves the city of Mthatha (formerly Umtata) in the Eastern Cape province — one of the most historically and culturally significant regions in South Africa. Operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the airport sits at an elevation of 740 metres above sea level and has a single asphalt runway (14/32) measuring 2,600 by 45 metres.

The airport was originally built to serve the Transkei, the apartheid-era bantustan that existed from 1963 to 1994, and was named K.D. Matanzima Airport after Kaiser Daliwonga Matanzima, the controversial president of the Transkei. It was renamed Mthatha Airport following South Africa’s democratic transition. In May 2012, the airport was briefly handed over to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for border security operations, before returning to ACSA control. A R490 million runway expansion was completed in May 2013, extending the runway from 2,000 metres to 2,600 metres and enabling larger commercial aircraft to service the region — the first aircraft to land on the new runway was an SA Airlink flight on 30 May 2013.

The most significant moment in the airport’s modern history came in December 2013, when Nelson Mandela passed away on 5 December. Mthatha Airport was placed under military control and converted to a no-fly zone reserved exclusively for heads of state attending the funeral. On 14 December 2013, Mandela’s body was flown from Air Force Base Waterkloof near Pretoria to Mthatha Airport, and transported to Qunu for his state burial — the moment placing this small regional airport at the centre of global attention for one of the most watched events in modern history.

Mthatha is the heartland of Madiba country. Nelson Mandela was born in Mvezo, approximately 20 km from Mthatha, on 18 July 1918, and grew up in the nearby village of Qunu (~25 km away) — where he is buried. The Nelson Mandela Museum, with branches in Mthatha and Qunu, is one of the most visited heritage sites in the Eastern Cape. The region is also closely associated with Walter Sisulu, born in Engcobo approximately 85 km away — both men were central figures in the liberation struggle and the ANC.

Beyond its historical significance, UTT is the primary air gateway to the Wild Coast — one of South Africa’s most pristine and unspoiled stretches of coastline, stretching from East London to the KwaZulu-Natal border, known for its rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, traditional Xhosa villages, and spectacular hiking trails including the famous Wild Coast Meander.

Popular flight routes to Mthatha Airport include Johannesburg to Mthatha.

Mthatha Airport has a small but functional retail and food offering following recent upgrades to the terminal.

At the terminal: A café serves hot drinks, snacks, and light meals for departing passengers. Basic convenience items are available for purchase. Car hire desks are located in the arrivals area.

Nearby shopping: Several shops, restaurants, and banks are available in Mthatha’s town centre, approximately 15 km from the airport. Mthatha Mall and the Circus Triangle Shopping Centre are the main retail destinations in town, both within a 25-minute drive of the airport.

Mthatha Airport has undergone significant upgrades in recent years and now offers a practical range of basic facilities. There are currently no passenger lounges at UTT.

Facilities at Mthatha Airport include:

• Car rental desks in the arrivals area
• Metered taxi services outside arrivals
• Basic café/coffee shop
• Restrooms
• Free Wi-Fi
• Uncovered short-term parking

Future upgrade phases for Mthatha Airport include plans for a new terminal building, a new lit helipad, updated runway approach lights, and expanded road access — improvements that were announced during President Zuma’s inspection visit in November 2013 and remain in the pipeline as ACSA continues to invest in Eastern Cape aviation infrastructure.

Accommodation near Mthatha Airport suits heritage travellers visiting Madiba country, Wild Coast explorers, and business visitors to the Eastern Cape.

Mthatha Rest Guest House

This Victorian-style guesthouse is a 15-minute drive from Mthatha Airport, offering a charming and characterful alternative to chain accommodation. Amenities include conference facilities, private entrances, laundry services, airport shuttle, and DStv. Catering options are available on request.

LLZZ Boutique Lodge

This 3-star boutique lodge is approximately 20 minutes from Mthatha Airport, set in a relaxed environment well-suited to both business and leisure stays. Amenities include a garden, room service, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and a 24-hour front desk. Complimentary breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are all included.

Lodge Bellagio

This well-rated guesthouse is a 20-minute drive from the airport in one of Mthatha’s most desirable locations. Amenities include a swimming pool, air conditioning, minibar, barbecue facilities, and a thatched outdoor deck. Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi are included — an upmarket option for those wanting comfort close to Madiba country’s key heritage sites.

There are no foreign exchange facilities at Mthatha Airport. Foreign currency exchange is available at major bank branches in Mthatha’s town centre, approximately 15 km from the airport.

In South Africa, foreign currency can generally be purchased up to 60 days before your departure date.

The following documents are required to purchase foreign exchange:

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight tickets or proof of accommodation)
• An original ID document or temporary resident permit
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old)

Mthatha Airport offers uncovered parking for short and medium stays, conveniently located close to the terminal building.

Cash payments are accepted. Given the airport’s modest passenger volumes, parking is generally readily available without pre-booking. Future expansion plans for the airport include improved parking and road access as part of the ongoing infrastructure upgrade programme.