Flights from Lanseria to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) | HLA to PLZ
FLIGHTS TO GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH)
Book flights from Lanseria Airport (HLA) to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Daily departures with FlySafair and Airlink.
Flights from Lanseria (HLA) to Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth and now officially named after struggle hero Chief Dawid Stuurman, is the main gateway to the Eastern Cape — South Africa’s wild coast and Garden Route province. The city’s airport, officially named Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (IATA: PLZ), receives daily flights from Lanseria operated by both FlySafair and Airlink, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Why Fly to Gqeberha?
Gqeberha is the starting point for the world-famous Garden Route, and the city itself is a vibrant port city with a growing food and cultural scene. The Eastern Cape is also home to some of South Africa’s best malaria-free game reserves — Addo Elephant National Park is just 72 kilometres from the airport, making this one of the most accessible Big Five destinations in the country. The Sunshine Coast’s beaches, the townships of KwaZakhele, and the historic architecture of the city centre are all worth exploring.
Airlines and Schedules
FlySafair operates daily departures from Lanseria to Gqeberha with competitive fares. The route is slightly less busy than the Johannesburg–Cape Town or Johannesburg–Durban corridors, which sometimes means lower fares are available with less lead time.
Airlink offers connections onward from Gqeberha to smaller Eastern Cape towns including East London (ELS) and Mthatha (UTT), making it a strong choice for travellers heading to the Wild Coast or smaller Eastern Cape towns.
FAQs — Lanseria to Gqeberha Flights
FAQ A complete guide to Lanseria International Airport – airlines, parking, facilities, transport options, charter services, check-in tips and more.
1. What is the official name of Port Elizabeth Airport? The airport is officially named Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport. It was previously known as Port Elizabeth International Airport. The city is officially Gqeberha. The IATA code remains PLZ.
2. How long is the flight from Lanseria to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)? Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Which airlines fly from Lanseria to Gqeberha? FlySafair and Airlink both operate daily scheduled services between HLA and PLZ.
4. Is Addo Elephant Park near Gqeberha Airport? Yes. Addo Elephant National Park is approximately 72 kilometres north of the city, about a 50–60 minute drive from the airport.
5. How far is Gqeberha Airport from the city centre? The airport is located approximately 5–7 kilometres from the Gqeberha CBD, making it one of the closer domestic airports to its city centre in South Africa.
6. Can I connect from Gqeberha to East London or Mthatha? Yes. Airlink operates connecting services from Gqeberha to East London, Mthatha and other smaller Eastern Cape destinations.
7. Is Gqeberha a good base for the Garden Route? Yes. Gqeberha is the eastern entry point to the Garden Route. From here you can drive westwards through Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, ending in Mossel Bay. Car hire from the airport is recommended for a Garden Route road trip.
8. What is the weather like in Gqeberha? Gqeberha has a relatively mild climate throughout the year, with summers (November–March) being warm and humid and winters (May–August) mild and occasionally rainy. It is more sheltered from Cape storms than Cape Town.
9. How many flights per day from Lanseria to Gqeberha? Typically 1–3 daily departures depending on the season and airline.
10. Is there Uber in Gqeberha? Yes, Uber operates in Gqeberha. Bolt is less widely used but growing. Car hire desks are available in the arrivals hall at the airport.
