Cheap Flights to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ)

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (IATA: PLZ, ICAO: FAPE) serves the city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape province, and is the primary airport for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. Operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the airport is located in Walmer, approximately 5 kilometres south of the Gqeberha city centre — earning it the well-loved nickname the “ten-minute airport” for its unusually close proximity to the urban core.

The airport has its origins as a basic airfield established in 1929, initially used for a postal service between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, and later as a base for the Royal Air Force and South African Air Force during World War II. It was previously known as H.F. Verwoerd Airport before being renamed Port Elizabeth International Airport. On 23 February 2021, it was officially renamed Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport — at the same time as Port Elizabeth was renamed Gqeberha — in honour of Chief Dawid Stuurman (c.1773–1830), the Khoikhoi leader who fought against Dutch and British colonial authorities and is the only person ever to have escaped from Robben Island twice. Stuurman was ultimately exiled to Australia in 1823, where he died on 22 February 1830. The renaming was championed by the Khoisan community of Nelson Mandela Bay as recognition of one of the Eastern Cape’s most significant indigenous resistance leaders.

PLZ is a compact, well-run domestic airport handling approximately 1.5 million passengers annually. It is a key hub for travellers accessing the Eastern Cape’s world-class attractions — including Addo Elephant National Park (75 km away), Shamwari and Kariega Private Game Reserves, the Garden Route, and the surf town of Jeffreys Bay. Car hire is widely available at the airport and is the recommended way to explore the region.

Popular flight routes to Port Elizabeth International Airport are from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, Durban to Port Elizabeth and from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth International Airport) offers a compact but well-stocked selection of shops and services within its single terminal building, where the arrivals and departures halls are connected by a convenient retail area.

Shops at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport include: cellular store, gift and souvenir shop, footwear store, and fast food outlets. A duty-free shop is available airside in the departures area for qualifying international travellers.

Services at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport include: ATMs, a conference centre, postage services, and Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

PLZ is a compact airport — most services are landside, before security. Travellers are advised to collect any essentials before passing through to the departure gates, and to check baggage restrictions and duty-free allowances for their destination before purchasing.

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport offers a comfortable range of facilities for a regional airport of its size.

Lounge: The Bidvest Premier Lounge is located in the departures terminal and is open to all passengers willing to pay the entrance fee. Facilities include comfortable seating, a smoking area, complimentary food and snacks, beverages, newspapers, showers, air conditioning, flight monitors, television, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

General facilities at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth) include:

• ATMs
• Medical facilities
• Porter services
• Disabled access facilities
• Viewing deck
• Public telephones
• Prayer rooms
• Conference centre
• Car rental desks (all major companies)
• Wi-Fi throughout the terminal

Car hire at PLZ is particularly well-used by travellers heading to Addo Elephant National Park, the Garden Route, and private game reserves in the Eastern Cape — making it one of the most important facilities at the airport for leisure travellers.

Accommodation near Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth) ranges from budget airport hotels to upmarket options in Walmer and the broader Gqeberha area.

Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport Hotel

This affordable 3-star hotel is just 150 metres from the terminal building — the closest accommodation to the airport. Amenities include a swimming pool, 24-hour reception, secure parking, air-conditioning, vending machine, and breakfast. Wi-Fi is available. An excellent no-fuss option for early departures or late arrivals.

Amani Guest Lodge

This well-rated 4-star guest lodge is a short 5-minute drive from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, set in tranquil surroundings. Amenities include a swimming pool, garden, daily housekeeping, airport shuttle, and private parking. Complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast are included.

Victoria & Alfred Guest House

This characterful 4-star guest house is a convenient 5-minute drive from the airport and offers a fuller range of amenities than a standard airport hotel. Facilities include a swimming pool, laundry service, 24-hour reception, housekeeping, garden, library, restaurant and bar, secure parking, airport shuttle, and business facilities. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are included.

There are currently no foreign exchange services at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth International Airport). The nearest options are:

• A 10-minute drive to American Express in Walmer
• A 15-minute drive to Travelex in Newton Park

ATMs are available in the terminal building for cash withdrawals in South African Rand.

Most exchange bureaus in South Africa allow you to purchase foreign currency up to 60 days before your departure date. The following documents are required:

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

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth International Airport) offers both short-term and long-term parking options, conveniently located close to the terminal building.

Parking options at PLZ include:

• Short-term parking bays for drop-offs and quick collections
• Long-term covered parking and lock-up garages for extended trips
• Drop-and-go zones for quick passenger drop-offs
• Disabled parking bays

Both cash and credit card payments are accepted. Given the airport’s close proximity to the Gqeberha city centre, parking at PLZ is among the most convenient of any South African airport — a short walk from the terminal in all parking areas.