King Phalo Airport (ELS)

Common Complaints

• Frequent Flight Disruptions and Cancellations: Passengers have faced significant and widespread flight delays and cancellations, particularly in 2024 and 2025. These issues are primarily attributed to technical failures in Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) systems, including expired instrument flight procedures and faulty landing instruments, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.
• Lack of Communication: Travelers have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of transparency and timely communication from airport and airline staff regarding delays and cancellations, leaving many stranded without adequate information or alternative arrangements.
• Inconvenience and Financial Strain: Flight disruptions have led to missed connections, additional costs for accommodation and alternative transport (such as driving long distances to other airports), and significant inconvenience for business and leisure travelers.
• Limited International Immigration Facilities: While primarily a domestic airport, for the limited international cargo operations, immigration procedures can take approximately one hour for passengers.

Overall, King Phalo Airport offers modern facilities, but recent experiences indicate that significant operational challenges, primarily related to air traffic control systems and weather, have severely impacted traveler satisfaction, leading to frequent disruptions and calls for improved communication and reliability.