Hendrik Van Eck Airport (PHW)

Phalaborwa, ZA 🇿🇦 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

FAPH

IATA

PHW

Elevation

1432 ft

Region

ZA-NP

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: FAPH

Local Code: Not available

Location: -23.937201° N, 31.155399° E

Continent: AF

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

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Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Hendrik Van Eck Airport (FAPH (PHW)) in Phalaborwa, ZA, generally offers a convenient and accessible entry point for travelers heading to the Kruger National Park and surrounding areas, particularly for those utilizing private or charter flights. While praised for its strategic location, traveler sentiment appears mixed regarding the breadth and quality of its terminal facilities.

What Travelers Love
  • Gateway to Kruger National Park: The airport's proximity to the Phalaborwa Gate of Kruger National Park is a significant advantage, making it an ideal starting point for safari adventures.
  • Convenience for Private and Charter Flights: It is well-suited for private and chartered aircraft, offering a luxurious and convenient option for travelers to access remote game reserves.
  • Efficient Check-in and Security Processes: Travelers report high satisfaction with check-in (100%) and security checks (100%), indicating smooth initial airport experiences. Current estimated security wait times are around 27 minutes, with immigration at 8 minutes.
  • Easy Ground Transportation: The airport provides car rental services, with companies like Avis having a presence. Open parking is available and considered safe, including options for long-term stays. Taxis to the nearby town of Phalaborwa are quick and affordable.
Common Complaints
  • Lack of Commercial Flights: Airlink ceased commercial flights to and from Phalaborwa Airport on June 10, 2020, meaning the airport currently only serves charter flights. This significantly limits traditional commercial passenger travel options.
  • Limited Terminal Facilities and Amenities: General terminal facilities received a 60% satisfaction rating, suggesting room for improvement.
  • Poor WiFi and Food/Retail Options: Traveler satisfaction for Wi-Fi (20%), food and retail services (20%), and airport lounge (13%) is notably low, indicating these services are either minimal or of poor quality.
  • Subpar Immigration/Customs Experience: The immigration/customs experience garnered only a 30% satisfaction rating.

Hendrik Van Eck Airport is best viewed as a specialized gateway for safari-bound travelers utilizing private or charter flights due to its unparalleled access to Kruger National Park. While it offers essential services and efficient security, prospective travelers should be aware of the absence of commercial flights and limited amenities, particularly concerning dining, retail, and Wi-Fi, which may necessitate prior planning.

Generated 6 days ago

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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.

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Airport Routes

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For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
01/19 4491 ft 60 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
CTAF CTAF 124.8 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
PHV Phalaborwa VOR 115300 kHz
PW Phalaborwa NDB 272 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Local taxi and pre-booked shuttle services are the primary options. It is highly recommended to arrange transportation in advance, either through a local taxi company or directly with your accommodation, as services may not be readily available on arrival. Ride-sharing apps have very limited or no presence in the area.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies operate directly from the airport terminal. Major providers such as Avis and Europcar have desks inside the arrivals area. Due to the airport's role as a gateway to Kruger National Park, booking a rental car in advance is strongly recommended.

Public Transportation

There are no scheduled public bus or train services that directly connect to Hendrik Van Eck Airport. The primary modes of transport are rental cars and pre-booked taxis or shuttles. Minibus taxis operate in the region but do not offer a formal service from the airport terminal.

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.