Exploring Airports In Zimbabwe: Gateways To Adventure And Culture

Air Zimbabwe Fokker 50 Z aircraft on the tarmac, ready for departure in the evening sky

Zimbabwe, a land of stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture, is well-connected by a robust network of airports that facilitate travel across the country. These airports cater to both local and international travellers, serving as vital transport hubs. From Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare to Victoria Falls International Airport, these key gateways link Zimbabwe to the world. In addition to these major international airports, several regional airports accommodate business travellers, tourists, and cargo transport. With modern facilities, efficient transport connections, and access to essential destinations, Zimbabwe’s airport network plays a crucial role in supporting the nation’s travel and tourism industry.

8 Major Airports In Zimbabwe

Below, you will find a curated comprehensive guide of the major airports in Zimbabwe, ensuring a smooth travel and flying experience.

1. Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is one of the top airports in Zimbabwe

Photo: johanwiden69 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Transported through domestic and international routes, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is one of the most developed airports in Zimbabwe and quite as busy. Positioned 15 km from the downtown city of Harare, this major airport serves as the primary entry point for people coming into the country. Recently refurbished, the airport now has a state-of-the-art terminal, has widened its runways, and has provided enhanced services for passenger traffic. It is served by airlines, including Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Airlink, providing connections to key points.

Places To Visit Nearby: Mukuvisi Woodlands, National Heroes Acre, Chapman Golf Club
Nearby Hotels: Rainbow Towers Hotel, Holiday Inn Harare
Nearby Restaurants: Amanzi Restaurant, The Bistro

2. Victoria Falls International Airport

Victoria Falls Airport entrance with a welcome board and passengers entering the terminal

Photo: Bgabel / Wikimedia Commons

Victoria Falls International Airport functions as Zimbabwe’s busiest aviation hub because it leads visitors to the world-famous Victoria Falls location. The airport underwent significant development in 2016 when it received a modern terminal and expanded its runway length to accommodate wide-body aircraft. This expansion took place 21 km from Victoria Falls. Planes from Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi can connect directly to the airport, thus stimulating local tourism and business activity. Travellers at this airport can take advantage of duty-free shopping and executive lounges in addition to prompt immigration processing for an effortless journey.

Places To Visit Nearby: Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls, Devil’s Pool
Nearby Hotels: Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls Hotel
Nearby Restaurants: The Boma—Dinner & Drum Show, The Lookout Café

3. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport

Inside view of an international airport terminal with passengers, check-in counters, and seating areas

Photo: Kounosu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport stands as one of the principal airports in Zimbabwe, where it serves Bulawayo while providing access to the nation’s largest city after Harare. The airport stands strategically close to Matobo National Park and multiple heritage sites, which establishes its importance for tourism development. The ongoing development efforts at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport strengthen Zimbabwe’s aviation sector through enhanced traveller and business accessibility and connectivity.

Places To Visit Nearby: Matobo National Park, Bulawayo Railway Museum, Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
Nearby Hotels: Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, Cresta Churchill Hotel
Nearby Restaurants: The Smokehouse, Nando’s Bulawayo

4. Charles Prince Airport

Super Constellation aircraft parked at Charles Prince Airport, one of the airports in Zimbabwe

Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The aviation centre of Zimbabwe includes Charles Prince Airport, which operates near Harare to serve private and training flights together with air charter services. The facility operated by the Royal Air Force has transitioned into serving as a vital operational site for flight schools together with corporate jets and light aircraft operations. Charles Prince operates as Zimbabwe’s only airport dedicated to domestic flights from Harare to safari parks and small population areas throughout the country.

Places To Visit Nearby: Thetford Game Reserve, Lion & Cheetah Park, Mukuvisi Woodlands
Nearby Hotels: Cresta Lodge Harare, Sunbird Guest House
Nearby Restaurants: Amanzi Restaurant, Victoria 22

5. Buffalo Range Airport

Buffalo Range Airport is one of the major airports in Zimbabwe that operates charter and scheduled services

Photo: Kok Vermeulen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Buffalo Range Airport serves as the main aviation hub for Chiredzi and Zimbabwe’s Lowveld region. Located near Gonarezhou National Park and Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, it supports tourism and agriculture. The airport operates private charter and scheduled services for safari lodges and sugar estates. Recent upgrades to runways and terminals accommodate larger aircraft, improving passenger experience. While Buffalo Range enhances access to remote areas, Turkish Airlines does not operate here. Instead, the airport primarily facilitates regional and charter flights.

Places To Visit Nearby: Gonarezhou National Park, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Save Valley Conservancy
Nearby Hotels: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, The Nesbitt Arms
Nearby Restaurants: The Salt & Pepper Restaurant, Chiredzi Country Club

6. Hwange National Park Airport

Z-WPJ MA 60 Air Zimbabwe aircraft ready for takeoff on the runway at an airport

Photo: Maarten Visser / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Hwange National Park Airport serves as a key gateway for travelers exploring Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve. Located near Hwange National Park, it operates primarily as a private flight terminal, offering direct access to safari lodges and camps. The airport accommodates small aircraft from Victoria Falls and Harare, ensuring seamless entry into the wilderness. Despite its modest size, it plays a crucial role in supporting eco-tourism and local businesses, with wildlife sightings often beginning immediately upon arrival.

Places To Visit Nearby: Hwange National Park, Painted Dog Conservation Centre, Nantwich Lodge Trails
Nearby Hotels: The Hide Safari Camp, Hwange Safari Lodge
Nearby Restaurants: Gwango Heritage Resort, The Boma at Ivory Lodge

7. Kariba Airport

Kariba Airport with a small bus parked on the left, capturing a quiet moment at the terminal

Photo: Brian Robbins / Wikimedia Commons

Kariba Airport serves as a key gateway for visitors exploring Zimbabwe’s fishing and wildlife attractions. Built for regional transport, it mainly accommodates vacationers heading to Kariba’s lodges and houseboats. The 1,600-meter asphalt runway supports light aircraft and charter flights, essential for safari operators. Though small, the terminal offers basic facilities for smooth passenger handling. Its proximity to Matusadona National Park enhances access to wildlife areas, while its strategic location supports business travel related to Kariba Dam’s hydroelectric operations.

Places To Visit Nearby: Matusadona National Park, Kariba Dam Wall, Lake Kariba
Nearby Hotels: Caribbea Bay Resort, Cutty Sark Hotel
Nearby Restaurants: Lake View Restaurant, Cresta Sprayview Restaurant

8. Masvingo Airport

EC-MVZ aircraft parked at the airport with green grass visible around the runway

Photo: Anna Zvereva / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Masvingo Airport provides key access to Zimbabwe’s historic region, serving travellers visiting the Great Zimbabwe ruins. Positioned near the country’s oldest urban centre, it primarily accommodates chartered flights and domestic routes. Though small, its location benefits researchers, tourists, and officials traveling to Masvingo’s administrative hub. The airport operates a single asphalt runway for small aircraft, with periodic infrastructure upgrades signaling potential for regional growth. While it supports tourism and business, its role remains limited in Zimbabwe’s broader international aviation network.

Places To Visit Nearby: Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Kyle Recreational Park, Lake Mutirikwi
Nearby Hotels: Great Zimbabwe Hotel, Regency Hotel Chevron
Nearby Restaurants: Nesbit Arms Hotel Restaurant, GREAT Zimbabwe Restaurant

Zimbabwe’s airports connect international travelers with regional destinations, providing essential access for tourism, business, and cultural exploration. These facilities serve as key transfer points, ensuring smooth travel across the country. Planning ahead enhances your experience and helps you make the most of your visit. Looking for the best deals and convenient travel options near Zimbabwe’s airports? Visit TripXL for seamless booking and stress-free trip planning.

Cover Photo: Maarten Visser / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

There are three international airports in Zimbabwe, including Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo (Bulawayo) Airports. The busiest airport among these three is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, which serves the capital city of Harare.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is the biggest airport in Zimbabwe and is considered to be the best. It's located about nine miles (15 km) from the centre of Harare, which is the capital city.
The Zimbabwean Dollar is the currency of Zimbabwe. The currency rankings show that the most popular Zimbabwean dollar exchange rate is the ZWD to USD rate. ZWD is the currency code for dollars.
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is from May to October when wildlife viewing and outdoor activities are at their peak.
Yes, major airlines such as Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Airlink operate direct flights to Zimbabwe from various international destinations.
Kariba Airport, Hwange National Park Airport, and Masvingo Airport offer charter flight services for tourists travelling to remote destinations.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month