What is the airport code for East London Airport?

Air Travel

By Kristy Tolley

East London Airport

East London Airport is a domestic airport situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It serves the city of East London and its surrounding areas. The airport is located approximately 9 kilometers west of the city center and is the only airport in the province that offers scheduled flights.

What are airport codes?

Airport codes are three-letter or four-letter codes assigned to airports worldwide, which are used to identify them in various contexts such as flight bookings, baggage handling, weather reports, and other airport-related activities. These codes are standardized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Understanding IATA codes

IATA codes are three-letter codes assigned to airports by the International Air Transport Association. They are unique to each airport and are used for various purposes such as flight booking, ticketing, and baggage handling. IATA codes are widely recognized and accepted by airlines and travel agencies worldwide.

East London Airport IATA code

The IATA code for East London Airport is ELS. This code is used to identify the airport in flight schedules, ticketing, and other airport-related activities. The code is unique to East London Airport and is recognized by airlines and travel agencies worldwide.

The history of the code

The code ELS was assigned to East London Airport in 1994 by the International Air Transport Association. Before this, the airport was identified by its full name, which was East London Airport. The adoption of the IATA code was aimed at standardizing airport identification and improving efficiency in airport-related activities.

How is the code used?

The ELS code is used in flight schedules, ticketing, baggage handling, and other airport-related activities. It is also used by airlines and travel agencies to identify the airport when booking flights to or from East London Airport.

Other airport codes in South Africa

South Africa has several airports, each with its unique IATA code. Some of the other airport codes in South Africa include JNB for Johannesburg International Airport, CPT for Cape Town International Airport, and DUR for Durban International Airport.

How to find the code online

The ELS code for East London Airport can be found online by searching for the airport’s name or IATA code. The code is also available on airline and travel agency websites, as well as airport information websites.

Using the code for booking

The ELS code is used when booking flights to or from East London Airport. It is important to ensure that the correct code is used to avoid booking errors or flight delays.

Common mistakes with the code

Common mistakes with the ELS code include using the wrong code or misspelling the code when booking flights or handling baggage. It is important to double-check the code before booking flights or handling baggage to avoid such errors.

Conclusion: Importance of airport codes

Airport codes are an essential part of air travel and are used for various purposes such as flight booking, ticketing, and baggage handling. The ELS code for East London Airport is an example of such codes that help to standardize airport identification and improve efficiency in airport-related activities.

References and further reading

  • International Air Transport Association (IATA). (n.d.). Airport codes. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/en/publications/directories/code-search/
  • South African Civil Aviation Authority. (n.d.). Airports. Retrieved from
  • East London Airport. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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