Gqeberha Airport Guide 2026 — Chief Dawid Stuurman International (PLZ)
Quick answer: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) serves Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and is famously the "ten-minute airport" — barely 5 minutes from the CBD and beachfront. FlySafair, Airlink, SAA and CemAir connect it to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Lanseria.
Which airlines fly to Gqeberha in 2026?
Four scheduled carriers serve PLZ, all on domestic routes:
- FlySafair — the volume player, with the most frequencies from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Lanseria.
- Airlink — multiple daily Johannesburg services plus Cape Town.
- South African Airways — legacy full-service option on trunk routes.
- CemAir — smaller regional schedules.
There are currently no scheduled international passenger flights from PLZ — international trips connect through OR Tambo or Cape Town International.
Gqeberha routes and comparing fares
| Route | Airlines | Flight time | Compare fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg (OR Tambo) | FlySafair, Airlink, SAA, CemAir | ±1h40 | JHB–Gqeberha flights |
| Cape Town | FlySafair, Airlink | ±1h15 | CPT–Gqeberha flights |
| Durban | FlySafair | ±1h20 | DUR–Gqeberha flights |
| Lanseria | FlySafair | ±1h40 | HLA–Gqeberha flights |
With four airlines competing on the JHB route, fares swing hard by day and time. Our cheapest day to fly guide and True Cost of Flying breakdown show how to time it.
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Getting to and from Chief Dawid Stuurman International
The airport sits in Walmer, roughly 3–4 km from the city centre — locals call it the "ten-minute airport" because nothing in Nelson Mandela Bay is more than about ten minutes away. It's one of the easiest airport transfers in South Africa.
- E-hailing: Uber and Bolt operate throughout Gqeberha and are the simplest option to the beachfront, Summerstrand or the CBD.
- Car hire: All the major rental desks are at the terminal — the right choice if you're heading to Addo Elephant Park (±45–60 min) or starting a Garden Route trip toward George.
- Hotel shuttles: Most Summerstrand hotels run airport transfers — ask when booking.
Why did Port Elizabeth Airport change its name?
The airport was renamed Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in February 2021, honouring the Khoi leader who resisted colonial rule. You'll still see "Port Elizabeth" and code PLZ on tickets and booking sites — it's the same airport. The city itself was renamed Gqeberha in the same period, which is why searches and bookings mix both names.
Insider tips for flying via PLZ
- Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights. The terminal is compact and quick, but check-in cut-offs are enforced.
- Book the JHB route on competition. Four airlines fight for this route — midweek fares are consistently the sharpest.
- Wind delays happen. Gqeberha is the Windy City — summer afternoon gusts occasionally bump schedules. Morning flights are statistically safer.
- Check your bag first. Baggage rules differ per airline and fare tier — use our free baggage size & weight checker before you pack.
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Gqeberha Airport FAQ
What is Gqeberha airport called now?
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, renamed from Port Elizabeth International in February 2021. The IATA code is still PLZ.
Which airlines fly to Gqeberha?
FlySafair, Airlink, South African Airways and CemAir operate scheduled domestic flights to PLZ from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Lanseria.
How far is the airport from Gqeberha's city centre?
About 3–4 km — roughly a 5–10 minute drive to the CBD or beachfront, which is why locals call it the ten-minute airport.
Are there international flights from Gqeberha?
No scheduled international passenger routes currently operate from PLZ. Connect via OR Tambo or Cape Town International.
Is PLZ a good airport for the Garden Route?
Yes — it's the eastern gateway. Fares are usually cheaper than flying into George, but you'll drive further. Compare both before booking.