PEIA currently handles more than 875 000 passengers per year. A R30 million upgrade to the Airport's singular terminal has just been completed, which now enables it to handle 1.5 million passengers per year. Its location close to the Port Elizabeth city centre and beaches makes the Airport ideal for tourists. Most tourists who pass through PEIA use it as the starting or ending point for touring the popular Garden Route.

The Airport's infrastructure includes a runway of 1 980m, 13 parking bays on the apron and terminals measuring 8 700 square metres. There is ample open and limited shade-net parking. The Airport is serviced by various car rental companies (Alisa, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Imperial Car Rental and Tempest Car Hire). Taxi and shuttle services are also provided.

Other services offered include an information kiosk (which operates a bureau de change facility), tour operator service desks, restaurants, coffee shops, car rental companies, a curio shop, a candy shop, an ATM, public telephones, cell / mobile phone rental companies and restrooms. The Airport is accessible to the disabled.