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UTT · medium airport

K. D. Matanzima Airport

Mthatha, South Africa

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UTTmedium airport

K. D. Matanzima Airport

Mthatha, South Africa
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1
Routes out
1
Destinations
FAUT
ICAO
2400 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Eastern Cape gateway serving the Mthatha region of South Africa.

Location
Mthatha, South Africa
K. D. Matanzima Airport, designated by IATA code UTT and ICAO code FAUT, serves the city of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It functions as the primary commercial airport for the OR Tambo District Municipality and surrounding areas, facilitating both domestic passenger and cargo traffic. The airport is named after Kaiser Daliwonga Matanzima, a political figure who led the former Transkei homeland. It has historically been an important link connecting the relatively remote Eastern Cape interior to major South African cities, particularly Johannesburg and Cape Town. The airport has experienced periods of limited scheduled service, with its route network and traffic volumes subject to fluctuations depending on airline demand and regional economic conditions.
Terminals
The airport operates a single terminal building handling both departures and arrivals for domestic passengers.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and Mthatha city centre is primarily served by taxis and car hire services.
Airlines here
Airlink (formerly SA Airlink) has been a key carrier operating scheduled domestic services from Mthatha.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after Kaiser Daliwonga Matanzima, leader of the former Transkei homeland.
  • ›Located approximately 10 kilometres from Mthatha city centre.
  • ›Serves the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
  • ›Primarily handles domestic routes, with Johannesburg being a key destination.
  • ›The airport's traffic volumes are modest, reflecting Mthatha's size as a regional centre.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast and Mandela Country

K. D. Matanzima Airport, named after former Transkei leader Kaiser Daliwonga Matanzima, serves Mthatha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is the primary air link for the Wild Coast region, connecting this historically significant area — birthplace of Nelson Mandela — to major South African cities. The airport handles a modest volume of domestic traffic and plays a vital role in regional connectivity for business, government, and tourism.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single compact terminal handling all domestic arrivals, departures, and basic passenger services.
Ground Transport
  • Metered taxis available outside the terminal
  • Pre-arranged car hire through local operators
  • Shuttle services to Mthatha city centre and surrounding areas
  • Private transfers bookable through guesthouses and hotels
Nearby Hotels
  • Holiday Inn Mthatha
  • Protea Hotel by Marriott Mthatha
  • The Msenge Bush Lodge
  • Garden Court Mthatha
Dining

Dining options within the terminal are limited to a small café offering light meals, snacks, and beverages. Travellers seeking a wider choice should head into Mthatha city centre, where local restaurants serve traditional Eastern Cape cuisine alongside standard South African fare. It is advisable to eat before arriving at the airport for longer waits.

Traveller Tips
  • Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as check-in desks can be slow during peak periods.
  • Confirm your flight schedule directly with the airline, as services can be subject to change on short notice.
  • Pre-book your taxi or shuttle in advance, as on-demand transport outside the airport can be scarce.
  • If visiting Mandela's birthplace in Qunu, arrange a rental car or guided tour from Mthatha as public transport links are unreliable.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (1 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

South African Airways
SA

Routes

UTT → JNBSA · ER3

Aircraft operating here

Embraer Legacy 6001 routes
Hotels near UTT

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Encyclopaedia

Mthatha Airport is an airport serving Mthatha, a city in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The airport was previously named K. D. Matanzima Airport after Kaiser Matanzima, a president of the former Transkei.

Read full article on Wikipedia