PLZ Airport (Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport) – Cargo, Address, Transit

About This Airport

Unlike South Africa's two big freight gateways, Chief Dawid Stuurman International (PLZ/FAPE) in Gqeberha — formerly Port Elizabeth — moves its goods almost entirely as belly cargo, with the operator ACSA citing more than 1.2 million passengers and over 800 tonnes of freight a year, though without stating the reference year. Frozen lobster, cut flowers, meat, mushrooms and ostrich hides are the typical exports. Swissport has run ground handling and a modern air cargo warehouse here since 2008, alongside a Menzies Aviation station; scheduled freighter operations are not confirmed. Planners should note that South African air navigation provider ATNS suspended the airport's instrument flight procedures on 10 October 2025 over missed maintenance intervals, causing delays and diversions in the coastal weather typical of the area, with no confirmed date for reinstatement. The airport lies about three kilometres south of the city centre, inside the Eastern Cape automotive cluster, and roughly 21 kilometres from the deepwater port of Ngqura at Coega, which makes sea-air combinations a realistic option. For time-critical or larger consignments, shippers commonly route via Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg O. R. Tambo (JNB).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IATA code of Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport?▼

The IATA code of Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is PLZ. This three-letter code is used for unique airport identification in international air transport.

Where is Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport located?▼

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), ZA.

What is the ICAO code of Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport?▼

The ICAO code of Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is FAPE. This four-letter code is used internationally in aviation.

What is the elevation of Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport?▼

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport is at an elevation of 69 meters (226 ft) above sea level.

Chief Dawid Stuurman International AirportPLZ · FAPE

About This Airport

Air Freight & Cargo

Airlines & Network

Frequently Asked Questions

Transit time routes from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Community Questions & Answers