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Upington Airport (UTN/FAUP) is a medium-sized airport serving Upington in South Africa's Northern Cape, about 6 km north of the city on the Orange River. It is known for one of the longest runways in Africa (17/35, approximately 4,900 m), originally developed to handle large aircraft and diversions. Today it offers scheduled links to major South African hubs and serves as a gateway to the Kalahari and Augrabies Falls region.
💡 Local Tip
Upington is a key gateway to the Kalahari; fill up with fuel and buy water before heading north or west, as distances between towns are long and services sparse. Also, because the runway is a designated diversion for large aircraft, you may occasionally see wide-body jets that are not on the regular schedule.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is close to town, but public transport is limited; pre-book a taxi, hotel shuttle, or rental car. Major rental agencies are available in the terminal, and driving is the most flexible way to reach the Kalahari, Augrabies Falls, or the Namibia border. Allow extra time in summer afternoons for possible heat or thunderstorm delays.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to Upington Airport?
A: Scheduled services are mainly operated by Airlink, with flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town; routes and frequencies can vary, so check current schedules.
Q: How far is Upington Airport from the city centre?
A: The airport is roughly 5–10 km north of central Upington, typically a 10–15 minute drive.
Q: Is there car rental at Upington Airport?
A: Yes, major car rental companies have desks at the airport, but it is wise to book ahead, especially in peak season.
Q: Why does Upington have such a long runway?
A: The runway is about 4,900 m long, making it one of the longest in Africa; it was designed to accommodate large aircraft and emergency diversions.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash