Port Elizabeth Airport was officially renamed Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport on 23 February 2021, when the city itself was renamed from Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha. The airport's IATA code remains PLZ and it is still widely known as PE Airport, Port Elizabeth Airport or PLZ Airport. Chief Dawid Stuurman was a Khoikhoi anti-colonial leader — the only person ever to escape from Robben Island twice.

PE Airport does NOT have a Standard Bank Slow Lounge. However, the Bidvest Premier Lounge is located in the domestic departures terminal and is open to any passenger (any airline, any ticket class) for a pay-per-use entry fee. It includes comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, TV and flight monitors. SAA Voyager members and business class passengers also have access to the SAA Premium Lounge at PLZ (renovated July 2024).

Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) is located in the Walmer suburb, approximately 5km south of the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) city centre. It takes around 10–15 minutes to drive, which is why PLZ has earned the nickname "the ten-minute airport" — one of the most conveniently located airports in South Africa.

The main commercial airlines operating from PLZ are FlySafair, Airlink and South African Airways (SAA). FlySafair serves Johannesburg (OR Tambo), Cape Town and Durban. Airlink connects PLZ to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Hoedspruit and Nelspruit/Kruger. SAA also operates selected domestic routes. PE Airport also handles some regional and international charter traffic.

Yes — Port Elizabeth Airport has one of the most well-equipped car rental centres of any South African airport. Europcar, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, First Car Rental, Tempest, Thrifty and Firefly all have counters in or directly adjacent to the arrivals hall. Car hire is strongly recommended if you're heading to Addo Elephant National Park (~45 minutes from PLZ) or starting a Garden Route road trip.