Hoedspruit Airport Code (HDS)

The Hoedspruit Airport in Hoedspruit, also known by its airport code HDS, is always in progress, much like its home city. The pandemic’s aftereffects are still being felt in the hub, but most of the operations and services that were shut during the outbreak have resumed now.

Let’s understand what facilities are open, what are new inclusions, and how you make the most of HDS airport –

Quick HDS Airport Info

• Airport – Hoedspruit Airport
• Terminals –  1
• Distance from Downtown Hoedspruit – Approximately 9.3 miles

Security and Customs at HDS

Hoedspruit Airport has separate security checkpoints for each of its five terminals. Passengers are advised to check in 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international departure.

Refer to the airport website for the boarding cut-off and security times. 

• TSA Pre Check – Each terminal at HDS has a dedicated TSA PreCheck facility. Passengers need to enroll online and need to pay an 85 USD service fee. The pRe Check counter is located at Terminal 1. 
• Global Entry kiosks – Passengers who have been accepted for Global Entry can use the kiosks at HDS for quicker clearance. Candidates must submit an online application and schedule an interview at the departure/arrival airport.
• Mobile Passport – For quicker passage by US Customs and Border, HDS has designated Mobile Passport Control lanes. A passport and the required information must be submitted by eligible participants upon arrival at HDS. In return, they will receive an instant receipt that may be shown to a Customs and border protection agent.

HDS Airport Lounge

There are in total 24 airport lounges in the Hoedspruit Airport that are airline and non-airlines operated. We have listed below the dependent business lounges that offer access to the non-frequent flyers members and passengers traveling with any airline. 

How to access HDS Airport Transportation?

Passengers arriving at or departing from HDS airport have access to a variety of transit choices, the majority of which are located outside of each terminal.

• Bus from HDS – Another excellent and cost-effective option is to take the fast bus from HDS airport into the city. The bus picks up passengers in Terminal 1. and then puts them off at Times Square and Grand Central Station. This is a fantastic choice, but be aware that traffic in Hoedspruit City can be unexpected. The trip could take longer than two hours if you enter the city during rush hour.
• HDS airport car service – Car services to and from HDS to different parts of the city and other airports are offered both privately and in groups. Reservations can be made at the Main Lobby of each terminal when arriving at the airport. Before matching other travel arrangements, be careful to inquire about car services from your airport hotel or Parking lot. 
• HDS airport taxi – A flat fare of $52 is charged by taxis from the airport to Downtown, and they are available outside of each terminal.

Best Places to Eat, Shop, and Unwind HDS

HDS airport features about 140 restaurants, pubs, and cafés between the terminals and pre-or post-security. Let’s delve into every terminal to understand what is the best option for you – 

Terminal 1

If you can get in, the T1 airline lounges provide business or first-class travelers a luxury area to until. In addition, there is a Prime class lounge available to Priority Pass holders that provides complimentary food and beverages as well as a calm setting away from the bustle. 

The dining is mostly HDS here, and the options include – 

• Starbucks
• The Local
• Martini Bar

Additional services at Hoedspruit Airport

Passengers get access to the following additional services at the Hoedspruit Airport. 

• Travelers Aid – Travellers Aid desks can be found in all terminals of HDS. These can be found on the arrivals level at the Main Lobby.
• Children’s gaming zone – There’s a special children’s play area in Terminal with a gladiator playground near gate 20. There is another play area in Terminal close to the Business lounge. 
• Baby facilities – Hoedspruit Airport has 6 nursing rooms.
• Pet relief center – There’s a pet relief center at each of the terminals. 
• Duty-free – The duty-free stores can be found at Terminals.
• Smoking areas – The HDS airport does not host any indoor smoking zone. There are authorized Smoking spots outside of the terminals.
• ATMs – Standalone ATMs are situated in Terminals. Other terminals have foreign currency ATMs. currency exchange services are available at all terminals.
• Baggage counter – On the departure level of Terminal 1, luggage wrapping services are available. In the arrivals area of Terminal 1, Meegan Services offers cloakroom services. 
• HDS Airport WiFi access – At Hoedspruit Airport, Wi-Fi is available for free in all common spaces. Choose “Free unlimited wifi” and the network “_Free HDS WiFi” to connect.
• Lost and Found Counter at HDS Airport – Depending on where you lost your baggage, the HDS airport has a lost and found desk at Terminal 1. You must get in touch with the respective airline’s baggage service if your checked luggage was left in the terminal, at the curb, or aboard an aircraft.

HDS Airport Parking

The Hoedspruit Airport has 6 Parking areas. 5 of them are located outside the terminals and are best suited for a shorter duration. The AirTrain connects the terminals to Long Term Parking Lot 9. Visitors can check the Parking availability at the airport website.  These 6 Parking areas include – 

• Short duration Parking – The Blue, Green, Red, Orange, and Yellow Parking areas are where you can park near the terminal. Green Parking links to Terminal 1.
• Parking lots Green, Orange, and Red cost 4 USD for the first half-hour, or 8 USD for the first hour. And, then 4 USD for each consecutive 30 minutes or up to a maximum of 35 USD for every 24 hours.
• Blue and Yellow Parking charge 5 for the first 30 minutes, or 10 USD for the next 30 minutes with 5 USD for every additional 30 minutes. It costs a maximum of 39 USD every 24 hours. 
• Long-term Parking lot 9 – The main terminal building offers long-term Parking.  The fee for the first 24 hours is 18 USD, and 6 USD for each subsequent 8 hours. 

Car Rentals at Hoedspruit Airport

Visit one of the car rental desks at the arrivals level to rent a car at HDS, or call one of them at the given numbers below.  Federal Circle Station outside the Main Terminal building is where you’ll rent cars.

• Avis
• keddy by Europcar
• Sunnycars
• Bidvest
• Bluu
• Budget
• Europcar

HDS Airport Hotels

With 1 on-site property and additional hotels ranging at 1.4 miles from the terminals, HDS offers a variety of 2- to 4-star lodging options. To assist you in matching your decision, we’ve provided each hotel’s Address, its star rating, and its proximity to the airport.

Conclusion

Hoedspruit Airport is a prominent international airport serving the Hoedspruit city area. It is conveniently close to hotels and various attractions. HDS is home to 6 active airline terminals that are encircled by a double ring of auxiliary taxiways. The terminals are served by more than 125 airline gates. The airport is connected to Hoedspruit City and beyond by the fast, light-rail AirTran service.

Due to the accessible AirTrain that connects Hoedspruit Airport to each terminal. Also, the rail network is also connected to the subway system and facilitates easy access to and from the airport.

Hoedspruit Airport – Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]