RCB - Richards Bay Airport
Richard'''s Bay, South Africa
IATA Code: RCB · Richard'''s Bay, South Africa
The airport code RCB is the IATA identifier for Richards Bay Airport. You may also find it referred to as Richard'''s Bay Airport (RCB).
Richards Bay Airport (RCB) serves Richard'''s Bay, South Africa, in the Africa fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
RCB is the IATA airport code for Richards Bay Airport, located in Richard'''s Bay, South Africa. The airport is situated at coordinates 28.7410°S, 32.0921°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
- RCB
- City
- Richard'''s Bay
- Country
- South Africa
- Timezone
- Africa/Johannesburg
- Latitude
- -28.7410°
- Longitude
- 32.0921°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Africa
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from RCB
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULD - Ulundi | 81 km | $1,261 | $3/passenger |
| PZL - Phinda | 101 km | $1,572 | $3/passenger |
| MZQ - Mkuze | 124 km | $1,930 | $4/passenger |
| DUR - Durban | 135 km | $2,102 | $4/passenger |
| VIR - Durban | 152 km | $2,366 | $5/passenger |
| PZB - Pietermaritzburg | 193 km | $3,005 | $6/passenger |
| LAY - Ladysmith | 229 km | $3,565 | $7/passenger |
| NCS - Newcastle | 234 km | $3,643 | $7/passenger |
| MTS - Manzini | 258 km | $4,017 | $8/passenger |
| SHO - Manzini | 267 km | $4,157 | $8/passenger |
| MGH - Margate | 290 km | $4,515 | $9/passenger |
| HRS - Harrismith | 297 km | $4,624 | $9/passenger |
| IHC - Inhaca | 316 km | $4,919 | $10/passenger |
| MPM - Maputo | 317 km | $4,935 | $10/passenger |
| LLE - Malalane | 372 km | $5,791 | $12/passenger |
| ZEC - Secunda | 379 km | $5,900 | $12/passenger |
| NLP - Nelspruit | 379 km | $5,900 | $12/passenger |
| MQP - Mpumalanga | 386 km | $6,009 | $12/passenger |
| JOH - Port Saint Johns | 403 km | $6,274 | $13/passenger |
| FCB - Ficksburg | 408 km | $6,352 | $13/passenger |
| SZK - Skukuza | 423 km | $6,585 | $13/passenger |
| AAM - Malamala | 440 km | $6,850 | $14/passenger |
| MSU - Maseru | 448 km | $6,974 | $14/passenger |
| ASS - Arathusa | 448 km | $6,974 | $14/passenger |
| UTT - Umtata | 453 km | $7,052 | $14/passenger |
| JNB - Johannesburg | 477 km | $7,426 | $15/passenger |
| QRA - Johannesburg | 478 km | $7,442 | $15/passenger |
| GCJ - Johannesburg | 496 km | $7,722 | $15/passenger |
| HDS - Hoedspruit | 497 km | $7,737 | $15/passenger |
| WKF - Waterkloof | 501 km | $7,800 | $16/passenger |
| PRY - Pretoria | 514 km | $8,002 | $16/passenger |
| HLA - Johannesburg | 516 km | $8,033 | $16/passenger |
| PHW - Phalaborwa | 542 km | $8,438 | $17/passenger |
| PCF - Potchefstroom | 544 km | $8,469 | $17/passenger |
| BFN - Bloemfontein | 565 km | $8,796 | $18/passenger |
| KXE - Klerksdorp | 568 km | $8,843 | $18/passenger |
| LTA - Tzaneen | 574 km | $8,936 | $18/passenger |
| PTG - Potgietersrus | 604 km | $9,403 | $19/passenger |
| UTW - Queenstown | 612 km | $9,528 | $19/passenger |
| NTY - Pilanesberg | 617 km | $9,605 | $19/passenger |
| ELS - East London | 627 km | $9,761 | $20/passenger |
| INH - Inhambane | 634 km | $9,870 | $20/passenger |
| BIY - Bisho | 652 km | $10,150 | $20/passenger |
| KIM - Kimberley | 714 km | $11,116 | $22/passenger |
| MBD - Mafeking | 725 km | $11,287 | $23/passenger |
| ADY - Alldays | 739 km | $11,505 | $23/passenger |
| VRU - Vryburg | 750 km | $11,676 | $23/passenger |
| GBE - Gaberone | 770 km | $11,987 | $24/passenger |
| TLD - Tuli Lodge | 787 km | $12,252 | $25/passenger |
| VNX - Vilankulu | 814 km | $12,672 | $25/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your RCB 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 RCB
- 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 Richard'''s Bay
Richard'''s Bay 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 RCB
RCB 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 RCB
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Richards Bay Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from RCB
- 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 RCB are ULD, PZL, MZQ — consider these for potentially lower fares