ELSFAELLarge Airport

King Phalo Airport

East London, South Africa435 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

ELS

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

FAEL

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

435 ft

The elevation is typical for the region.

Coordinates

-33.04, 27.83

East London map position.

Airport scale

Large Regional Gateway

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

King Phalo Airport overview

King Phalo Airport (ELS) serves East London, South Africa. It is listed as a large regional gateway, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through ELS.

The airport sits at 435 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are -33.0356, 27.8259, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in South Africa.

Nearby alternatives include Bisho Airport (BIY) and Port Alfred Airport (AFD). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across Africa.

ELS planning callout

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For this page, compare ELS with nearby airport links and the South Africa country guide before finalizing route choices.

King Phalo Airport unique facts

ELS fact 1

King Phalo Airport uses IATA code ELS and ICAO code FAEL.

ELS fact 2

ELS serves East London in South Africa.

ELS fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #15 by estimated passenger scale among listed South Africa airports.

ELS fact 4

Across Africa, this airport ranks #253 in the current featured airport set.

ELS fact 5

King Phalo Airport is classified as a large regional gateway, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

ELS fact 6

ELS sits 435 feet above sea level.

King Phalo Airport facilities

King Phalo Airport restaurants

At ELS, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

ELS lounges

For King Phalo Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

ELS WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving King Phalo Airport.

East London airport parking

For departures from East London, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

ELS accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through King Phalo Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

ELS ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in South Africa; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

ELS currency exchange

Currency desks at King Phalo Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

ELS car rental

Save ELS as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

King Phalo Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near King Phalo Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

ELS medical help

For urgent health needs at ELS, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

ELS charging

At King Phalo Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

ELS business travel

King Phalo Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

ELS family travel

Families using ELS should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

King Phalo Airport terminals

ELS terminal planning

Terminal layouts at King Phalo Airport can change by airline, route, and operating day. Confirm your ELS terminal after check-in, then use airport signage for transfers, baggage claim, and ground transport.

King Phalo Airport transportation

ELS taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at ELS when arriving late or carrying luggage into East London.

ELS train or metro

If rail is available at King Phalo Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

ELS bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for East London, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from ELS.

ELS driving and car rental

For rental cars, save the airport code ELS in navigation and follow terminal-specific return signs rather than only city-center directions.

King Phalo Airport location

ELS

King Phalo Airport

-33.0356, 27.8259

Bisho Airport

53 km from ELS

Port Alfred Airport

105 km from ELS

Queenstown Airport

152 km from ELS

K. D. Matanzima Airport

184 km from ELS

King Phalo Airport traveler tips

ELS tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

ELS tip 2

Weather delays are usually more tied to regional systems than airport elevation.

ELS tip 3

For international departures, leave time for document checks before security as well as any terminal train or shuttle.

ELS tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around -33.04 latitude and 27.83 longitude.

ELS tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

ELS tip 6

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips.

King Phalo Airport FAQ

Where is King Phalo Airport located?

King Phalo Airport (ELS) is located in East London, South Africa, at coordinates -33.0356, 27.8259.

What is the IATA code for King Phalo Airport?

The IATA code for King Phalo Airport is ELS. Its ICAO code is FAEL.

Is King Phalo Airport a large airport?

King Phalo Airport is classified as a large airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a large regional gateway in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at ELS?

For King Phalo Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is King Phalo Airport?

King Phalo Airport is 435 feet above sea level; The elevation is typical for the region..

Does King Phalo Airport have scheduled airline service?

King Phalo Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does ELS serve?

ELS primarily serves East London and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to ELS?

Nearby comparison airports include Bisho Airport (BIY) and Port Alfred Airport (AFD).

What transport should I check first at ELS?

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For King Phalo Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

King Phalo Airport related airports

BFN

Bram Fischer International Airport

Bloemfontein, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

4,457 ft

AfricaGuide

CPT

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

151 ft

AfricaGuide

DUR

King Shaka International Airport

Durban, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

295 ft

AfricaGuide

GRJ

George Airport

George, South Africa

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

648 ft

AfricaGuide

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