East London Airport (FAEL) was established in 1927 by Colonel Allister Mackintosh Miller. Originally the airport was situated 2km (1.2 mi) west of the city center, but in 1965 the airport was moved to its present site 9 km (5.6 miles) west of the city center.

The city of East London, sometimes referred to as Buffalo City, was formed around the only river port in South Africa and was originally known as Port Rex. East London was elevated to city status in 1914.