Restaurants, Shops & Lounges at Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
RESTAURANTS, SHOPS & LOUNGES
Full guide to dining, shopping and lounge facilities at Port Elizabeth Airport. Mugg & Bean, Primi Piatti, Mile High Pub, Bidvest Lounge and SAA Lounge explained.
Restaurants, Shops and Lounges at Port Elizabeth Airport
PLZ’s terminal is compact, and its food and retail offering reflects that scale — a handful of well-chosen outlets rather than the sprawling food courts you’d find at OR Tambo or Cape Town International. For most travellers passing through on a domestic flight, what’s on offer is more than sufficient.
Restaurants and Cafés at PLZ
Mugg & Bean is the airport’s primary sit-down and grab-and-go café, located airside at Allister Miller Drive within the terminal. As one of South Africa’s most familiar café brands, Mugg & Bean at PLZ offers the full range you’d expect — all-day breakfasts, toasted sandwiches, gourmet burgers, fresh bakes and a strong coffee menu, alongside a Mugg & Bean On-The-Move takeaway-focused counter for travellers in a hurry. It is the most consistently recommended food option at the airport and a reliable choice whatever time your flight departs.
Primi Piatti offers Italian-style dining at PLZ, including pizza and a more substantial sit-down meal option than the café-style alternatives — a good choice if you have time before your flight and want a proper meal rather than a quick bite.
Mile High Pub, located on the airport’s upper floor, is one of PLZ’s more distinctive offerings — a pub with genuine runway views, serving drinks and pub-style food. For travellers with time to spare before a flight, particularly aviation enthusiasts who enjoy watching aircraft movements, this is the standout spot in the building.
Snack vendors are scattered through the ticketing area for travellers who just need something quick before heading to security.
Shops at PLZ
The retail offering at Port Elizabeth Airport is modest but covers the essentials: a small selection of African curio and Eastern Cape souvenir stores (useful for last-minute gifts), a Sunglasses Hut outlet, a clothing store, a newsagent for last-minute reading material, and a couple of cellphone accessory shops for chargers, cables and similar essentials.
Several travel agencies operate within the terminal, along with a visitor information centre — a useful stop if you need local recommendations or assistance with onward travel plans, particularly for international visitors unfamiliar with the Eastern Cape.
Lounges at PLZ
Bidvest Premier Lounge — located in the domestic departures terminal, open to any passenger regardless of airline or ticket class via a pay-per-use day pass at the door. Offers comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi and flight information monitors.
SAA Premium Lounge — available to qualifying SAA Voyager members and SAA business class ticket holders. Renovated in July 2024, refreshing the facility’s interior and amenities.
For the full breakdown of access requirements and what each lounge includes, see our dedicated lounges guide.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Wi-Fi at PLZ is provided through the AlwaysOn network and is a paid service rather than free. You can register and pay online by credit card before or during your visit, or purchase a voucher with cash at the Mugg & Bean counter if you’d prefer not to use a card online.
FAQs — Restaurants, Shops and Lounges at PLZ
FAQ A complete guide to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport / Port Elizebeth Airport – airlines, parking, facilities, transport options, charter services, check-in tips and more.
1. What restaurants are at Port Elizabeth Airport? Mugg & Bean, Primi Piatti and the Mile High Pub, plus a few snack vendors in the ticketing area.
2. Is there a pub at PLZ with runway views? Yes — the Mile High Pub, located on the upper floor, offers drinks and pub food with views over the runway.
3. Does Mugg & Bean at PLZ open early for morning flights? Mugg & Bean typically opens early to serve breakfast for morning departures. Confirm exact current hours directly with the outlet, as these are periodically reviewed.
4. Is there a duty-free shop at PLZ? The retail offering at PLZ is modest, focused on curio/souvenir stores, a Sunglasses Hut, a newsagent and accessory shops rather than a dedicated duty-free hall. Confirm current retail offerings on arrival, as outlets can change.
5. Is Wi-Fi free at Port Elizabeth Airport? No. Wi-Fi is available via the AlwaysOn network but requires payment — either online by card or via a cash voucher at Mugg & Bean.
6. Does PLZ have a lounge open to all passengers? Yes — the Bidvest Premier Lounge is open to any passenger via a paid day pass, regardless of airline or ticket class.
7. Is there an ATM at Port Elizabeth Airport? Yes, ATMs are available within the terminal.
8. Can I exchange currency at PLZ? Yes, currency exchange facilities are available in the terminal for international travellers.
9. Are there travel agents at PLZ? Yes, several travel agencies operate within the terminal, alongside a visitor information centre.
10. Is there a place to buy Eastern Cape souvenirs at PLZ? Yes, several African curio and souvenir stores are located within the terminal, ideal for last-minute gifts before your flight.
