Cheap Flights to Upington International Airport (UTN)

Upington International Airport (IATA: UTN, ICAO: FAUP) is an ACSA-operated airport serving Upington — the largest town in the Northern Cape’s Green Kalahari region, on the banks of the Orange River. Despite being the smallest airport in the ACSA network by passenger volume (approximately 54,000 passengers in FY2023/24), it is home to one of the most remarkable pieces of aviation infrastructure in the world.

At 4,900 metres (16,076 feet), runway 17/35 is the longest civilian runway in the Southern Hemisphere and the longest on the African continent — constructed in just six months in 1976. The runway was built for a very specific purpose: during the apartheid era, South Africa lost overflying rights across African states and faced route restrictions, forcing South African Airways to seek alternative long-haul departure points. Upington — at a lower elevation than Johannesburg and with vast available land — was chosen as the departure point for SAA’s Europe routes. The runway had to be long enough to allow a fully loaded Boeing 747 to take off in extreme summer heat (regularly exceeding 40°C) and fly non-stop to Europe, which it did between 1976 and 1982.

In June 1976, the same year the runway was completed, Upington Airport hosted landing and take-off trials for the Concorde supersonic airliner — testing its performance under hot and high conditions in the Northern Cape desert. The airport has also been designated as a NASA emergency backup landing site for the Space Shuttle, one of very few such sites outside the United States. The South African Air Force continues to use the airport for pilot training on large aircraft.

Beyond its aviation heritage, UTN serves as a significant international cargo hub. Every year from November to January, non-scheduled charter freighters transport up to 1 million tonnes of table grapes from the Orange River valley directly to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The airport also accommodates the automotive industry — manufacturers including BMW and Mercedes-Benz use Upington’s extreme heat, low humidity, and long straight roads for hot-weather vehicle testing, flying cars and engineering teams in and out on chartered aircraft. ACSA has also installed a 500 kW solar farm on 0.66 hectares of the airport precinct.

Popular flight routes to Upington International Airport include Johannesburg to Upington and Cape Town to Upington.

Richards Bay Airport is a compact regional facility with a modest selection of food and retail options within the terminal.

At the terminal: A small café and restaurant serve hot meals, snacks, and beverages for departing and arriving passengers. Basic convenience items are available for purchase before your flight.

Nearby shopping: Several shopping centres, banks, and a post office are located just a few kilometres from the airport in the Richards Bay city centre, including the Boardwalk Mall and Bay Junction Shopping Centre — both within a 10-minute drive.

Richards Bay Airport is a compact, well-run regional facility. There are currently no passenger lounges at RCB.

Facilities at Richards Bay Airport include:

• First Aid centre
• Car rental desks — Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Bidvest are available at the airport
• Taxi services (on call)
• Alton Aero Engineering — aviation maintenance centre, one of the only facilities of its kind in northern KwaZulu-Natal
• Flight school
• Aircraft charter operations
• Aviation fuel sales

Clinics and hospitals are available in the Richards Bay city centre, approximately 5 km from the airport. The airport’s single-runway operation means passengers should allow sufficient time for ground operations, particularly during peak periods.

An expansion project to upgrade RCB to International Airport status was announced in 2011 but remains on hold pending resolution of issues relating to the adjacent Mandlanzini township — a development that, when it proceeds, would significantly expand the airport’s capacity and facilities.

Accommodation near Richards Bay Airport suits both industrial and business visitors and those exploring the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast and Zululand.

Road Lodge Richards Bay

This practical 2-star lodge is an 8-minute drive from Richards Bay Airport — ideal for quick business stopovers or early morning departures. Amenities include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and free parking. A no-fuss, affordable option in the heart of the industrial zone.

Imvubu Lodge

This characterful 3-star lodge is tucked into the lush greenbelt zone of Richards Bay, a 13-minute drive from the airport. Set in a natural setting near the lagoon, it offers a restaurant, swimming pool, pool tables, viewing decks, and Wi-Fi. A great base for birdwatchers and those exploring the nearby wetlands.

Premier Hotel The Richards

This well-regarded 4-star hotel is 13 minutes from the airport and consistently rated as one of the best accommodation options in Richards Bay. Facilities include conference rooms, a spa, restaurant, and bar. An excellent choice for business travellers and those attending industrial or mining sector meetings in the city.

Richards Bay Airport does not have a foreign exchange bureau on site. The nearest foreign exchange services are available in the Richards Bay city centre, approximately 5 km from the terminal:

• FX Africa Foreign Exchange — city centre
• Bidvest Bank — city centre

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 and accommodation bookings)
• Original ID document or temporary resident permit
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old)

Richards Bay Airport offers a range of parking options including curbside drop-off, short-term, and long-term bays, all conveniently located close to the terminal building. Holiday parking is also available in enclosed car parks.

Parking rates are affordable. You can reserve a parking spot online in advance to avoid any added stress — particularly during peak periods when industrial and business travel increases demand. Check availability and pricing directly with the airport.

For drop-offs and quick collections, the curbside zone outside arrivals is clearly marked.