$37 Cheap Flights to East London
One-way
Departing from
Johannesburg
Going to
East London, South Africa
East London (ELS)
South Africa • November, 2025
82% AI deal score
$450 $169
East London (ELS)
South Africa • November, 2025
77% AI deal score
$113 $42
East London (ELS)
South Africa • November, 2025
75% AI deal score
$113 $42
East London (ELS)
South Africa • November, 2025
75% AI deal score
$113 $49
Top Cheap Flight Deals to East London
Recent round-trip flight deals to East London
Tue, Nov 18 - Wed, Nov 19
Cheapest
Johannesburg (HLA) - East London (ELS)
Safair airlines • Direct
East London (ELS) - Johannesburg (HLA)
Safair airlines • Direct
$56
Tue, Nov 18 - Thu, Nov 20
Johannesburg (HLA) - East London (ELS)
Safair airlines • Direct
East London (ELS) - Johannesburg (HLA)
Safair airlines • Direct
$56
Tue, Nov 18 - Tue, Nov 25
Johannesburg (HLA) - East London (ELS)
Safair airlines • Direct
East London (ELS) - Johannesburg (HLA)
Safair airlines • Direct
$62
Mon, Nov 24 - Tue, Nov 25
Johannesburg (HLA) - East London (ELS)
Safair airlines • Direct
East London (ELS) - Johannesburg (HLA)
Safair airlines • Direct
$68
Mon, May 18 - Tue, May 19
Johannesburg (HLA) - East London (ELS)
Safair airlines • Direct
East London (ELS) - Johannesburg (HLA)
Safair airlines • Direct
$120
$68
-$52
43%
Sun, Nov 23 - Tue, Nov 25
Johannesburg (HLA) - East London (ELS)
Safair airlines • Direct
East London (ELS) - Johannesburg (HLA)
Safair airlines • Direct
$68
The cheapest time to fly to East London
Ready to jet to East London on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights to East London
Need to get to East London ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last-Minute Flight Deals!
Find flights to East London departing in the next two weeks, with prices starting from $42.
⌛ Last-Minute
Johannesburg - ELS
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 2 days ago
$145
one-way
Facts About Flights to East London
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick East London flight facts and tips.
East London city airports
East London Airport (ELS) is the primary airport serving the city of East London, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It's a smaller, yet vital airport connecting the region to major South African hubs. Expect a range of domestic flights, primarily to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, making it easy to connect onwards to international destinations. The airport offers essential amenities such as car rental services, restaurants, and shops to cater to travelers' needs. While not as large or bustling as major international airports, East London Airport provides a convenient and accessible gateway to the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas of the Eastern Cape.
Pro tip: search “East London (Any)” to see fares to all East London airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to East London
Cheapest airport
East London (ELS)
East London Airport (ELS) is your gateway to the Sunshine Coast! While it's a smaller airport, ELS offers essential facilities and connectivity to major South African cities. It's a convenient starting point for exploring the beautiful Eastern Cape.
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
East London Airport isn't a major hub, but it still connects you to over 20 destinations! Popular routes include flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, making it a convenient gateway to South Africa's major cities.
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
East London is served by more than 10 airlines, including popular full-service carriers and low-cost airlines like FlySafair, CemAir, and Airlink.
ELS Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
ELS airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Mon, Sun
Based on the data, Friday and Saturday offer the best chances to find a flight deal from East London airport. Friday has the lowest count at 6, while Saturday is the second lowest at 13, suggesting these days may have fewer people booking flights.
Avg. deal survival time
16.3 hours
Deals from East London Airport typically last around 16.3 hours, so it's important to book quickly when you find a good price. This relatively short survival time means you should monitor prices frequently and be ready to act fast.
Rare deal frequency
19 deals
We've discovered 19 rare deals for flights departing from East London Airport in the last month. These rare deals achieved an AI Deal Score of 90 or higher, indicating they were likely mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-45%
The average price drop for flights to East London Airport is 44.6%, potentially saving you a significant amount. This indicates a good opportunity to find deals when flying to this destination.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
East London Flight Forecast (Dec 2025)
Based on current trends, flight prices to East London are expected to remain stable next month. There are no significant price drops or increases anticipated for December 2025 as of November 19, 2025.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on November 15
Sydney - ELS
$2,025 → $647
68%
Found on November 17
Cairo - ELS
$1,225 → $387
68%
Found on November 16
Hyderabad - ELS
$1,130 → $421
63%
Found on November 17
Dakar - ELS
$1,750 → $672
62%
Found on November 15
Auckland - ELS
$1,925 → $751
61%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near ELS sometimes drop rare deals too:
Bloemfontein (BFN)
~6 rare deals/month
East London (ELS)
~4 rare deals/month
Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
~13 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially BFN and ELS for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly to East London
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to East London:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
The cheapest month to snag a flight to East London is November. As the Southern Hemisphere eases into late spring, you'll find fewer tourists and better deals. This makes it a perfect time to explore the city's beautiful beaches and cultural attractions without breaking the bank!
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
The best day to book your flight to East London tends to be on a Tuesday. Airlines often release deals early in the week to fill seats, so keep an eye out. Booking mid-week can save you some serious cash for your trip!
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
Flying to East London on a Wednesday is often the cheapest option. Mid-week flights are generally less popular, leading to lower prices. So, if you're flexible, consider scheduling your trip to start or end on a Wednesday to save money for your adventures in this vibrant city.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
The sweet spot for booking flights to East London is about two months in advance. This timeframe often balances lower prices with sufficient availability. Booking closer to your travel dates might lead to higher costs, so plan ahead to secure the best deals!
East London Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which East London airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to East London’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
London City Airport (LCY)
Welcome to London City Airport, your gateway to convenience right in the heart of East London! LCY stands out with its incredibly close proximity to Canary Wharf and other key business districts, making it a favorite for business travelers. Despite its smaller size, the airport offers a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and executive lounges to make your travel experience smoother. Getting into central London is a breeze thanks to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station located a short walk from the terminal, connecting you to the city's extensive public transport network. Its short runway can make for exciting takeoffs and landings!
Tip: Pack light to save time, as LCY is designed for quick getaways!
London Southend Airport (SEN)
London Southend Airport offers a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the larger London airports. Located a bit further from East London but still easily accessible, SEN prides itself on providing a relaxed and efficient travel experience. The airport boasts a modern terminal with a variety of shops and restaurants, ensuring you have everything you need before your flight. Direct train services whisk you into the heart of London Liverpool Street in approximately one hour, making it a convenient option for reaching the city. Plus, you might find some great flight deals!
What to Do in East London
East London isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in East London, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & landmarks
Get your camera ready to explore East London's iconic landmarks! From the historic Tower of London to the modern marvel of the Shard, there's a sight to wow every traveler. Don't forget to wander through the vibrant street art scene in Shoreditch for some Instagram-worthy backdrops!
Arts & culture
Immerse yourself in East London's thriving arts and culture scene! Catch a cutting-edge performance at the Barbican Centre, or explore the independent galleries and studios in Hackney. The area is a melting pot of creativity, offering everything from traditional theatre to experimental art installations.
Food & nightlife
Prepare your taste buds for an adventure in East London's diverse food scene! From Brick Lane's famous curry houses to trendy street food markets, there's something to satisfy every craving. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with buzzing bars, live music venues, and underground clubs.
Shopping & fashion
Indulge in some retail therapy in East London's eclectic shopping districts! Browse the vintage boutiques and independent designers in Shoreditch, or hunt for unique finds at Spitalfields Market. Whether you're after high-end fashion or quirky souvenirs, you're sure to discover something special.
Nearby getaways
Escape the city bustle with a short trip to one of East London's nearby getaways! Explore the charming coastal town of Greenwich, or take a scenic walk through Epping Forest. With easy access to the countryside and coast, you can enjoy a refreshing break from urban life.
East London Weather
Weather in East London
Wed, Nov 19
10%
22° 14°
10%
Thu, Nov 20
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to East London
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to East London
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on East London flights:
Be Flexible with Your Dates: East London calling! If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can snag some seriously sweet flight deals. Mid-week flights and off-season travel are your best friends for budget-friendly adventures.
Book in Advance (But Not Too Early!): The early bird gets the worm, but not always the cheapest flight! Aim to book 2-3 months in advance for domestic flights to East London to hit that sweet spot between availability and price.
