ELS - Ben Schoeman Airport
East London, South Africa
IATA Code: ELS · East London, South Africa
The airport code ELS is the IATA identifier for Ben Schoeman Airport. You may also find it referred to as East London Airport (ELS).
Ben Schoeman Airport (ELS) serves East London, South Africa, in the Africa fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
ELS is the IATA airport code for Ben Schoeman Airport, located in East London, South Africa. The airport is situated at coordinates 33.0356°S, 27.8259°E. The current jet fuel price in the Africa region is $5.56/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (Africa)
$5.56/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- ELS
- City
- East London
- Country
- South Africa
- Timezone
- Africa/Johannesburg
- Latitude
- -33.0356°
- Longitude
- 27.8259°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Africa
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from ELS
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIY - Bisho | 53 km | $825 | $2/passenger |
| UTW - Queenstown | 152 km | $2,366 | $5/passenger |
| UTT - Umtata | 184 km | $2,865 | $6/passenger |
| JOH - Port Saint Johns | 225 km | $3,503 | $7/passenger |
| PLZ - Port Elizabeth | 230 km | $3,581 | $7/passenger |
| MGH - Margate | 339 km | $5,278 | $11/passenger |
| MSU - Maseru | 398 km | $6,196 | $12/passenger |
| PBZ - Plettenberg Bay | 433 km | $6,741 | $13/passenger |
| PZB - Pietermaritzburg | 449 km | $6,990 | $14/passenger |
| BFN - Bloemfontein | 462 km | $7,192 | $14/passenger |
| FCB - Ficksburg | 468 km | $7,286 | $15/passenger |
| VIR - Durban | 475 km | $7,395 | $15/passenger |
| DUR - Durban | 492 km | $7,659 | $15/passenger |
| GRJ - George | 516 km | $8,033 | $16/passenger |
| LAY - Ladysmith | 528 km | $8,220 | $16/passenger |
| OUH - Oudtshoorn | 528 km | $8,220 | $16/passenger |
| HRS - Harrismith | 548 km | $8,531 | $17/passenger |
| KIM - Kimberley | 554 km | $8,625 | $17/passenger |
| NCS - Newcastle | 621 km | $9,668 | $19/passenger |
| RCB - Richard'''s Bay | 627 km | $9,761 | $20/passenger |
| ULD - Ulundi | 627 km | $9,761 | $20/passenger |
| LMR - Lime Acres | 668 km | $10,399 | $21/passenger |
| KXE - Klerksdorp | 694 km | $10,804 | $22/passenger |
| PCF - Potchefstroom | 711 km | $11,069 | $22/passenger |
| PZL - Phinda | 719 km | $11,193 | $22/passenger |
| OVG - Overberg | 720 km | $11,209 | $22/passenger |
| MZQ - Mkuze | 725 km | $11,287 | $23/passenger |
| ZEC - Secunda | 736 km | $11,458 | $23/passenger |
| VRU - Vryburg | 736 km | $11,458 | $23/passenger |
| ROD - Robertson | 740 km | $11,520 | $23/passenger |
| KMH - Kuruman | 751 km | $11,692 | $23/passenger |
| QRA - Johannesburg | 756 km | $11,769 | $24/passenger |
| SIS - Sishen | 757 km | $11,785 | $24/passenger |
| JNB - Johannesburg | 768 km | $11,956 | $24/passenger |
| GCJ - Johannesburg | 784 km | $12,205 | $24/passenger |
| HLA - Johannesburg | 789 km | $12,283 | $25/passenger |
| MTS - Manzini | 798 km | $12,423 | $25/passenger |
| WKF - Waterkloof | 802 km | $12,486 | $25/passenger |
| UTN - Upington | 812 km | $12,641 | $25/passenger |
| PRY - Pretoria | 822 km | $12,797 | $26/passenger |
| SHO - Manzini | 832 km | $12,953 | $26/passenger |
| MBD - Mafeking | 834 km | $12,984 | $26/passenger |
| NTY - Pilanesberg | 859 km | $13,373 | $27/passenger |
| CPT - Cape Town | 861 km | $13,404 | $27/passenger |
| VRE - Vredendal | 885 km | $13,778 | $28/passenger |
| NLP - Nelspruit | 890 km | $13,856 | $28/passenger |
| SDB - Langebaanweg | 901 km | $14,027 | $28/passenger |
| MQP - Mpumalanga | 908 km | $14,136 | $28/passenger |
| MPM - Maputo | 915 km | $14,245 | $28/passenger |
| LLE - Malalane | 920 km | $14,323 | $29/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your ELS Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the Africa region has jet fuel priced at $5.56/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from ELS
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at East London
East London enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures generally range from 15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F) throughout the year. Early morning and late evening flights can offer relief from daytime heat during summer. Pack layers for air-conditioned terminals.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through ELS
ELS operates within the African fuel pricing region. Aviation infrastructure across Africa has seen significant investment in recent years, with many airports modernizing facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Travelers should verify visa requirements, vaccination certificates (particularly yellow fever), and currency exchange options before arrival.
Planning Your Trip via ELS
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Ben Schoeman Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from ELS
- Fuel impact awareness: The Africa region currently prices jet fuel at $5.56/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to ELS are BIY, UTW, UTT — consider these for potentially lower fares