Richards Bay Airport (RCB)

Richards Bay, ZA 🇿🇦 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

FARB

IATA

RCB

Elevation

109 ft

Region

ZA-NL

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: FARB

Local Code: Not available

Location: -28.740999° N, 32.092098° E

Continent: Africa

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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What Travelers Say

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Online Reviews Summary

Recent traveler reviews for Richards Bay Airport (FARB (RCB)) indicate a generally positive sentiment, especially concerning its role as a gateway to the KwaZulu-Natal region. While it's a smaller domestic airport with limited services, passengers appreciate its efficiency and the ease of travel it offers.

What Travelers Love
  • Overall Efficiency and Atmosphere: Travelers report a seamless and efficient travel experience with a friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Terminal Navigation: The airport's single terminal is designed for ease of movement, allowing passengers to navigate through arrivals, departures, and check-in areas without hassle.
  • Recent Infrastructure Upgrades: Recent installations of new Airfield Ground Lighting and Precision Approach Path Indicator systems have improved safety, especially for low-visibility and night-time operations.
  • Convenient Parking: Both short-term and long-term parking options are available, including enclosed car parks.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Amenities: The airport offers a selection of dining options and limited shopping facilities, which may not be sufficient for all travelers.
  • Flight Frequency: There is typically only one departure flight per day from Richards Bay Airport.
  • Past Operational Issues: The airport experienced a temporary downgrade in March 2024 due to fire safety concerns, leading to flight suspensions, though these issues were quickly resolved and flights resumed. Historically, there have also been delays related to Instrument Flight Procedures.
  • No International Flights: Richards Bay Airport does not serve international flights, only domestic routes.

Richards Bay Airport serves as a functional and convenient domestic hub, particularly for those accessing the Zululand region. Despite its smaller size and limited amenities, ongoing upgrades and plans for future redevelopment aim to enhance its capacity and overall traveler experience.

Last updated: 60 days ago

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AI-Generated: Compiled from publicly available reviews. May not be current or accurate.

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Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Route Network Map

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Top Routes (by observations)

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Popular Flight Routes

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Top Airlines

Operating at Richards Bay Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
1 28 1 Jan 25, 2026
Showing top 1 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
05/23 4265 ft 69 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 118.9 MHz
TWR TWR 118.9 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
RB Richards Bay NDB 337 kHz
RBV Richards Bay VOR-DME 113000 kHz
RI Richards Bay NDB 465 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Taxis and ride-hailing services (like Uber and Bolt) are readily available for hire outside the airport's terminal building. These provide a direct and convenient way to get to your destination in the city and surrounding areas. It is advisable to use accredited taxi services and confirm the fare before your trip.

Rental Cars

Several major car rental companies operate directly from Richards Bay Airport, with service desks located inside the terminal building. Companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. Booking a vehicle in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.

Public Transportation

There are no scheduled public bus or train services that directly serve Richards Bay Airport. The primary modes of transport from the airport are rental cars or taxis. While minibus taxis are a common form of public transport in the region, they do not follow fixed schedules or have a formal stop at the airport, making them an inconvenient option for travelers.

AI-Generated Content: This ground transportation information was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; please verify with official airport or transportation provider websites before traveling.

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