Direct (nonstop) flights from Cape Town to East London

2 airlines fly nonstop from Cape Town International (CPT) to East London (ELS). It's 536 miles (863 km), about 1h 35m in the air. Operated by CemAir, Safair.

CPT
Cape Town International
🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa
ELS
East London
🇿🇦 East London, South Africa
Flight Time
1h 35m
Distance
536 mi
863 km
CO₂/pax
99 kg
−129 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
CemAir +1
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by CemAir CemAir Safair Safair

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

CemAir 5Z CemAir
Route
CPT → ELS
Flight Time
1h 35m
Distance
536 mi
Safair FA Safair
Route
CPT → ELS
Flight Time
1h 35m
Distance
536 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Cape Town to East London with one stop · direct emits 99 kg CO₂ per passenger

CPT DUR (Durban) ELS
Leg 1: 2h (795 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (305 mi) Total: ~3h 15m 🍃 228 kg CO₂ (+130% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → DUR
2h · 795 mi
View CPT to DUR flights →
Leg 2
DUR → ELS
1h 15m · 305 mi
View DUR to ELS flights →
CPT JNB (Johannesburg) ELS
Leg 1: 2h (790 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (475 mi) Total: ~3h 30m 🍃 259 kg CO₂ (+162% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → JNB
2h · 790 mi
View CPT to JNB flights →
Leg 2
JNB → ELS
1h 30m · 475 mi
View JNB to ELS flights →
CPT HLA (Lanseria) ELS
Leg 1: 2h 5m (786 mi) Leg 2: 1h 40m (489 mi) Total: ~3h 45m 🍃 261 kg CO₂ (+164% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → HLA
2h 5m · 786 mi
View CPT to HLA flights →
Leg 2
HLA → ELS
1h 40m · 489 mi
View HLA to ELS flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Cape Town to East London?

A nonstop flight from Cape Town (CPT) to East London (ELS) takes approximately 1 hours and 35 minutes. The distance is 536 miles (863 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Cape Town to East London?

2 airlines: CemAir, Safair.

Is there a nonstop flight from Cape Town to East London?

Yes. 2 airlines: CemAir, Safair.

How far is Cape Town from East London?

The flight distance from Cape Town to East London is 536 miles (863 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What type of aircraft flies from Cape Town to East London?

At 1h 35m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Cape Town to East London?

Roughly 99 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 495 km.

Is the return flight from East London to Cape Town also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Cape Town to East London?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Cape Town International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.