Cheap Flights to Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB)

Pietermaritzburg Airport (IATA: PZB, ICAO: FAPM), formerly known as Oribi Airport, is the primary airport serving the city of Pietermaritzburg — the capital of KwaZulu-Natal province — and the broader KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region. Located in Oribi Village, approximately 5 kilometres south of the Pietermaritzburg CBD, the airport is the only facility in the greater Pietermaritzburg area offering scheduled passenger services.

The airport was first licensed by the South African Civil Air Board in 1931, giving it one of the longest aviation histories of any regional airport in KwaZulu-Natal. Following major extensions and upgrades over the decades — most recently a terminal building and apron upgrade in 2013 — it has continued to serve as the key commercial and general aviation hub for the city and surrounding areas. The airport also accommodates a diverse range of aviation operators including aircraft charters, aircraft maintenance companies, ATNS air traffic navigation services, aviation fuel, aviation security, and several flight schools. The Pietermaritzburg Aero Club is resident on the airfield.

Currently, Airlink is the only scheduled commercial airline operating from PZB, offering daily flights to and from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport). With approximately 28 flights per week, the JNB–PZB route is operated using Embraer ERJ-135 aircraft and takes approximately one hour.

Pietermaritzburg is the City of Choice — KwaZulu-Natal’s capital and a city of remarkable character. It is famous as the home city of the Comrades Marathon, the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon, which alternates between Pietermaritzburg and Durban each year and draws tens of thousands of runners from around the world. The city is also the gateway to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander — a celebrated arts, crafts, and food route through rolling green hills — and sits just 90 minutes from the stunning Drakensberg mountain range. Durban is approximately 45 minutes by road, and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is about an hour away.

Pietermaritzburg Airport is a small regional facility and currently has no retail shops within the terminal building.

Food and drink at Pietermaritzburg Airport: The Airborne Café is the airport’s resident café, well-regarded locally for offering what it claims to be the “earliest breakfast in the city” — a popular stop for early-morning business travellers heading to Johannesburg. The café also serves coffee, meals, and snacks, and offers free Wi-Fi.

For shopping before or after your flight, Pietermaritzburg’s city centre — approximately 15 minutes from the airport — offers a wide range of retail options including Liberty Midlands Mall (one of the largest malls in KwaZulu-Natal), Cascades Shopping Centre, and numerous independent shops along Church Street.

Pietermaritzburg Airport is a compact, community-focused aviation hub and its passenger facilities reflect its small regional character.

Lounges: There are currently no passenger lounges at Pietermaritzburg Airport.

General facilities at Pietermaritzburg Airport include:

• ATM in the terminal building
• Free Wi-Fi (via the Airborne Café)
• Public telephones
• Disabled access facilities
• Pietermaritzburg Aero Club (on the airfield)
• Car rental desks
• Pilot Controlled night landing facilities

In addition to scheduled passenger services, the airport supports a full general aviation community including aircraft charters, aircraft maintenance facilities, aviation fuel supply, flight training schools, and ATNS air traffic navigation services — making it one of the more active general aviation hubs in KwaZulu-Natal.

Accommodation near Pietermaritzburg Airport suits both business travellers and those exploring the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, with a range of options from budget lodges to characterful bed and breakfasts.

Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg

This convenient 1-star lodge is approximately 11 minutes from Pietermaritzburg Airport, offering straightforward, affordable accommodation. Amenities include a swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and air conditioning. Breakfast options are available, with complimentary Wi-Fi and parking included.

Home From Home Bed & Breakfast

This 3-star bed and breakfast is nestled in a leafy Pietermaritzburg suburb, just 10 minutes from the airport. It is a popular choice for leisure travellers exploring the Midlands Meander. Amenities include a swimming pool, bar/lounge, airport shuttle bus, housekeeping, garden, barbecue grills, luggage storage, and a picnic area. Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking are available.

Tancredi B&B

This 3.5-star bed and breakfast offers country-style accommodation just 8 minutes from Pietermaritzburg Airport, with a relaxed atmosphere well-suited to both business and leisure stays. Amenities include a swimming pool, air conditioning, daily housekeeping, garden, and barbecue grills. Free English breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking are included.

There are no foreign exchange facilities at Pietermaritzburg Airport. The nearest foreign exchange options are available in the Pietermaritzburg city centre, approximately 15 minutes from the airport, at branches of major South African banks including FNB, Standard Bank, ABSA, and Nedbank.

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 accommodation reservations)
• An original ID document or temporary resident permit
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old)

Pietermaritzburg Airport offers a practical range of parking options for both short and long-term stays, all conveniently located close to the terminal.

Parking options at Pietermaritzburg Airport include:

• Drop-off zone for quick passenger drop-offs
• Short-term parking bays
• Long-term undercover parking for extended trips

Autopay stations are located inside the terminal building. Cash payments are accepted. Given the airport’s modest size, parking is generally readily available without pre-booking.