Port Elizabeth Flights

A highlight in Port Elizabeth's history was the first flight to Port Elizabeth from Cape Town in 1917, made by Lieutenant Colonel Allister Mackintosh Miller. At that time, this was considered a long distance flight, and it heralded the start of civil aviation industry in Port Elizabeth.

Port Elizabeth International Airport was established in 1929 in close proximity to the city. It was initially founded by Lieutenant Colonel Miller, who needed an airfield to operate his postal service between the city and Cape Town. It was only officially opened some nine years later, in 1936, boasting a single runway, one hangar and a concrete apron.

During World War II, the airfield was extended to accommodate 42 Air School Royal Air Force and 6 Squadron South African Air Force on the southern and eastern sides of the field, while the commercial operation was conducted from the northern side. 1954 saw the landing of the first jet-propelled aircraft - five De Havilland Vampire FB9s.

Construction of the present terminal buildings, runways and an air traffic control building began in 1950. The commercial operation was moved to an airfield at St Albans, some 25km from the city centre, for the construction period. The new buildings were officially opened in 1955.
In 1973 the apron was extended to accommodate larger aircraft and a new departures terminal was opened in 1980.

The airport currently handles more than 875 000 passengers per year, with over 38 770 air traffic movements. Business travellers account for 60 percent of all passengers, while 80 percent of people passing through the airport reside in South Africa. It is expected that this share will change as tourism impacts on the region.

The airport handles some 822 798 kg of cargo per month, mostly to and from Johannesburg. Mail and courier parcels are also flown to and from other airports. Cargo includes flowers, frozen lobster, meat, ostrich skins and mushrooms.

We flew to Port Elizabeth to go and do a safari at Kariega game reserve in Kenton-on-Sea, the reserve arranged our very reasonably priced transfer for us and we were met at the airport by Cedric, one half of All Seasons Tours and Transfers

What a great guy ! After settling us into his comfortable car we set off, he gave us lots of great information about Port Elizabeth and and the route to Kariega, we had a `comfort stop` on the way [its a 90 minute journey to the game reserve] at a lovely roadhouse, we could have stopped for coffee but Cedric had a cool bag with drinks. By the time we had reached Kariega we felt we were travelling with a friend.
Our return journey after our safari was just as much fun, Cedric gave us a mini tour of the places in Port Elizabeth we hadnt seen previously and we stopped for coffee and a sandwich at a great little beach front restaurant before going to catch our flight, where with hugs and handshakes we said goodbye to our new friend

All Seasons is a relatively new business and these guys work really hard at getting the service right, I can certainly recommend them for any transport needs in this part of South Africa

Port Elizabeth is very accessible and is, therefore, known as the "10 minute city". Most of the historic attractions are located within walking distance of one another in the historic Central area. The public transport is adequate and moving around by city bus shuttle, taxi or on foot may be a fun and inexpensive way of viewing the sights.

RAILWAY STATION / TRAIN SERVICES

The city's mainline railway station is situated in the centre of the city in Station Street, just off Strand Street, which runs parallel to Govan Mbeki Avenue. Enquiries, timetables for trains Tel: (041) 507 2400

TAXIS

1) Hurters Taxi Cabs

Hurters Taxi Cabs, based at Russell Square, Russell Road, Central, boasts 75 years of personal service in Port Elizabeth. With 24-hour radio control, Hurters offers reliable, convenient, courteous and quick service. Advance bookings assure one of preference and gives one peace of mind. All major credit cards such as American Express, Visa and Master Card are acceptable as forms of payment.

Therefore, dial Hurters Taxi Cabs all hours at Tel: (041) 585 5500.

HALF THE FUN IS GETTING THERE.

Discover The Garden Route and beyond in modern cofort.

Plan your own step - on, step -off, value for money holiday.
INTERCAPE serves Cape Town daily from Port Elizabeth along the Garden Route and the Overberg and extends its daily services further to Windhoek and Johannesburg via Upington through fascinating tourism regions such as Swartland,Olifantsrivier, Orange River Valley, Namaqualand and the Kalahari.