Margate Airport

Margate Airport sits three kilometres north of Margate's town centre, on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, serving a stretch of coastline that is one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations. The airport handles scheduled and charter flights, primarily from Johannesburg and Durban, and operates as a gateway to the Hibiscus Coast's resorts, beaches, and subtropical attractions. With a single runway and a compact terminal, it is a straightforward facility built for efficiency rather than scale. What distinguishes Margate Airport is not the building itself, but the region it opens up – a place where the Indian Ocean meets a coastline of sandstone cliffs, lagoon estuaries, and year-round warmth.

Getting There

Margate Airport is located on the R620, about three kilometres north of downtown Margate. The drive from the town centre takes less than ten minutes. From Durban, the main route is the N2 south, then the R620 at the Hibberdene turn-off. The distance from Durban is roughly 150 kilometres, and the journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes in normal traffic. For those arriving from the north (Durban or King Shaka International Airport), rental cars are available both at King Shaka and at smaller agencies in Margate. Alternatively, several shuttle services operate between Durban and Margate, with drop-off at the airport terminal. A private transfer from Durban to Margate Airport costs approximately ZAR 1500–2000 (2025 rates). Local minibus taxis also run along the R620, but they stop at the main road junction, leaving a short walk to the terminal. Most visitors, however, arrive by car, as the airport's car park is free and ample. The airport is also within walking distance of some beachfront accommodation, though the walk along the highway is not recommended after dark.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Margate Airport is a single-storey building that handles both arrivals and departures under one roof. On departure, passengers proceed through a small check-in area, then through security screening to a waiting room. The bag drop and check-in counters are staffed by airline representatives, usually from Airlink or CemAir, who handle the main scheduled flights. Security is present but the process is quick – the airport’s size means queues are short, and you can expect to be from car park to gate in under fifteen minutes. The arrivals area consists of a small hall with a baggage belt, where luggage typically appears within ten minutes of the flight’s arrival. The terminal is wheelchair-accessible from the car park through the entrance, and the toilets are equipped for wheelchair users. There is a baggage storage facility (confirm availability with the airport directly), and basic seating is available. No shops or restaurants exist inside the terminal – the nearest food and drink options are in Margate town, a five-minute drive away. The atmosphere is casual and unhurried, which suits the holiday vibe of the destination but means passengers should not expect the amenities of a larger hub.

Margate Airport and Margate

Margate itself is the heart of the Hibiscus Coast, a stretch of shoreline known for its warm climate, golden beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. The town grew as a holiday destination in the mid-20th century, when South Africans from the interior began flocking to the coast for summer vacations. Today, Margate attracts visitors for its year-round subtropical weather, with average highs around 28°C in summer and 23°C in winter – warm enough for beach days any month. The main beach, Margate Main Beach, is patrolled and has excellent swimming conditions, especially during the annual Sardine Run between May and July, when millions of sardines migrate up the coast, followed by dolphins, sharks, and seabirds. Beyond the beach, Margate offers a casino and entertainment complex (Margate Casino), the Butterfly Farm and Butterfly Dome, a crocodile farm, and the Wild 5 Adventures zip-line and treetop course. The nearby towns of Port Edward and Ramsgate add more dining and shopping options. Culturally, the area is part of the Zulu Kingdom, and visitors can explore traditional villages and craft markets inland. History buffs can visit the Port Shepstone lighthouse or the isolation hospital at the old Sanatorium. The airport’s role in this region is critical – while many tourists drive from Durban, the 70-minute flight from Johannesburg makes Margate accessible for weekend getaways, and the airport handles a steady stream of holidaymakers, golfers, and business travellers attending conferences at local resorts. Without the airport, the South Coast would be far less connected to the national network.

Practical Information

Margate Airport is not open 24 hours – the terminal opens approximately one hour before the first scheduled departure and closes after the last arrival. Operating hours vary by flight schedule, so passengers should confirm with their airline. The contact number is +27 39 312 0560. There is no official website, but flight information can be found via the airlines serving the airport: Airlink and CemAir. Parking is free and directly adjacent to the terminal. For wheelchair users, the car park has designated spaces close to the entrance, and the terminal is fully accessible. Note that there is no ATM inside the airport – bring cash or use card facilities at town shops. For security, the car park is fenced and patrolled during operational hours. A concrete tip: arrive at least 45 minutes before domestic departure; the process is quick, but the airport may not have staff available early. If your flight is delayed, the nearby Margate Hotel or beachfront coffee shops are a short walk or drive. For those with time before a flight, the beach is five minutes away by car – a last swim is possible if you keep an eye on the clock.