Pelaneng Airport (PEL)

Pelaneng Airport (PEL), designated by the ICAO as FXPG, is a historic high-altitude domestic airstrip located in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The facility functions as a basic mountain landing ground and does not feature a formal commercial passenger terminal building. Historically, it served as a vital infrastructure link for the remote highlands region, specifically supporting the early phases of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and essential missionary aviation.

Facilities at the airstrip are non-existent, reflecting its status as an unattended rural landing site. There are no on-site commercial amenities such as retail shops, restaurants, or passenger lounges, and even basic restroom facilities are unavailable at the airstrip. As of early 2026, aerial assessments indicate that the airfield is currently unusable for fixed-wing aircraft due to local infrastructure developments, including a roadway that has been constructed across the former runway surface.

The airfield is situated at a significant elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level on a narrow mountain ridge, featuring a single unpaved dirt runway (13/31) approximately 2,000 feet in length. When operational, it was known for its challenging approach which included a steep drop-off at one end and rising terrain at the other. Travelers to the Pelaneng and Lejone regions typically utilize the national road network (A8 highway) for transit, as the nearest active aviation hub with commercial facilities is Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) near Maseru.