Cheap Flights to Richards Bay Airport (RCB)

Richards Bay Airport (IATA: RCB, ICAO: FARB) is the primary airport serving Richards Bay and the broader Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal. A municipal airport established in 1975, it is owned by the City of uMhlathuze and managed under a concession by Indiza Airport Management, with ACSA serving as its contracted service provider — making it independent of the main ACSA airport network. The airport features a single runway (05/23), measuring 1,300 metres in length, without a parallel taxiway — meaning landing aircraft turn on the runway and taxi back to the terminal.

Richards Bay Airport has approximately 100,000 passengers annually, served exclusively by Airlink on the daily Johannesburg (OR Tambo) route. In December 2023, Airlink upgraded its aircraft on this route to the Embraer E170 — a larger, more comfortable jet than its predecessor, reflecting growing demand. The airport is also home to Alton Aero Engineering, one of the only aviation maintenance companies in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and supports recreational flying, flight training, aviation fuel sales, corporate charters, and air cargo operations.

Richards Bay itself is one of South Africa’s most important industrial cities. The Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) is the largest coal export facility in Africa, with a design capacity of 91 million tonnes per year — the terminal has exported well over 1 billion tonnes of coal since opening in 1976 and set a world record in September 2006 by loading 409,809 tonnes in a single 24-hour period. The city is also home to Richards Bay Minerals (part of the Rio Tinto Group), which mines titanium, zircon, and iron ore from the coastal dunes near the lagoon. The deep-water port, opened on 1 April 1976, handles exports of coal, aluminium, titanium, granite, ferrochrome, and phosphoric acid.

For leisure travellers, Richards Bay is the genuine gateway to Zululand — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies approximately 30 km north and encompasses 332,000 hectares of lakes, wetlands, coral reefs, beaches, and wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, rhinos, and whale sharks. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park — one of the oldest game reserves in Africa and the birthplace of Operation Rhino — is around 90 km away.

Popular flight routes to Richards Bay Airport include Johannesburg to Richards Bay.

A few restaurants and coffee shops are located within the airport. Shopping centres, banks and a post office are located just a few kilometres from the airport.

Car rental companies at Richards Bay Airport include Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Bidvest. Taxi services on available on call.

The airport has a First Aid centre, while clinics and hospitals can be found in the city centre.

Richards Bay Airport is home to a flight school, aviation maintenance centre and aircraft charters.

There are currently no lounges available at Richards Bay Airport.

Road Lodge Richards Bay

This 2-star lodge is ideal for both business and leisure stopovers. It is an 8-minute drive from Richards Bay Airport. Amenities include Wi-Fi, parking and air-conditioning.

Imvubu Lodge

This majestic 3-star lodge is tucked away on the beach, in the dreamy and lush greenbelt zone of Richards Bay. It is a 13-minute drive from Richards Bay Airport. Amenities include a restaurant, a pool, pool tables, viewing decks and Wi-Fi.

Premier Hotel The Richards (Richards Bay)

With the reputation of being one of the best hotels in Richards Bay, you are sure to receive superb hospitality at this 4-star hotel. It is a 13-minute drive from Richards Bay Airport. Amenities include conference rooms, a spa and a restaurant.

Richards Bay Airport does not have Foreign Exchange outlets, but travellers can purchase foreign currency at FX Africa Foreign Exchange and Bidvest Bank in the city centre.

Travellers can purchase foreign exchange 60 days before departure. The following documents are required for ordering and collecting foreign exchange:

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

There are various parking options at Richards Bay Airport, such as curbside drop-off, short-term and long-term parking. You are sure to find affordable parking at the airport. Holiday parking is also available at enclosed car parks. Alternatively, you can save yourself added stress and hassles by reserving a parking spot online, with no hidden costs.