Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport (HDS)

Hoedspruit, ZA 🇿🇦 Small Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

FAHS

IATA

HDS

Elevation

1743 ft

Region

ZA-NP

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: FAHS

Local Code: Not available

Location: -24.368601° N, 31.0487° E

Continent: AF

Type: Small Airport

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport (FAHS/HDS), also known as Eastgate Airport, is largely praised by travelers for its small size, efficiency, and proximity to major wildlife attractions like Kruger National Park. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from Google reviews and 8.3/10 on Flight-report, traveler sentiment is generally positive, highlighting a personalized and stress-free travel experience.

What Travelers Love

Efficient and Personalized Experience: The airport's small size leads to quick check-in procedures, short walks to gates, and a generally hassle-free experience compared to larger airports.
Cleanliness and Facilities: Travelers consistently note the cleanliness of the airport, including washrooms, and appreciate the comfortable waiting areas. There are also souvenir shops and snack stores available both pre- and post-security, along with a restaurant offering light meals.
Quick Security and Immigration: Security wait times are estimated to be around 28 minutes, and immigration at 8 minutes, contributing to a smooth passage through the airport.
Proximity to Wildlife and Scenic Views: Located near Kruger National Park and various private game reserves, the airport offers stunning views during landings and departures, with occasional wildlife sightings like monkeys near the runway. It acts as a convenient gateway for safari adventures.
Transportation Options: Various transportation options are available, including car rentals, shuttle services, and taxis, making it easy to reach nearby lodges and attractions.

Common Complaints

Limited Services/Amenities: While essential facilities exist, some travelers note that the airport's services are unpopular compared to other airports, and shopping options are limited.
Lack of Public Wi-Fi: A recurring complaint is the absence of reliable public internet access.
No Uber/Limo Service: Although taxis and shuttle services are available, some sources suggest Uber or limo services might be used in their absence, implying they are not a standard offering.

Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport (Eastgate Airport) is highly recommended for its efficiency, cleanliness, and direct access to South Africa's premier wildlife destinations, offering a pleasant and convenient start or end to a safari adventure, despite minor limitations in extensive services and public Wi-Fi.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)

Newly Discovered

OR Tambo Int'l (JNB) new
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Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 5 routes are indexed for Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

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Top Airlines

Operating at Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network

Airline	Routes	Flights	Destinations	Last Activity
South African Airlink `LNK` / `4Z`	2	52	2	Dec 10, 2025
CemAir `KEM` / `5Z`	2	25	2	Dec 10, 2025
Safair `SFR` / `FA`	1	2	1	Nov 11, 2025

Showing top 3 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`09/27`	6939 ft	88 ft	ASP	Active Lighted
`18/36`	13095 ft	151 ft	ASP	Active Lighted

Type	Description	Frequency
APP	APP	`126.4 MHz`
TWR	TWR	`119.6 MHz`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency
`HA`	Hoedspruit	NDB	`265 kHz`
`HSV`	Hoedspruit	VORTAC	`114000 kHz`

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Private shuttle and transfer services are the main option and must be booked in advance. There is no formal taxi rank with waiting cabs at the airport. Many game lodges and hotels in the area provide their own dedicated airport transfer services for guests, which should be arranged directly with the accommodation prior to arrival.

Rental Cars

Several car rental agencies operate from Hoedspruit Airport, with desks located inside the terminal building. Major providers include Avis, Budget, and Europcar. It is strongly recommended to reserve a vehicle well in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as availability can be limited. A range of vehicles, including 4x4s for safari drives, is often available.

Public Transportation

There are no public transportation services, such as municipal buses or trains, that connect directly to Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport. Access to and from the airport is reliant on rental cars or pre-arranged private transfers and shuttles.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.