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Zambia has a global dominance in copper production. With airports in Zambia, its rich natural resources and strategic trade and development policies make it one of the most important countries in the world. Besides, tourism in Zambia flourishes throughout the year owing to its rich wildlife and scope for eco-tourism. Infrastructure and resources in the country have been developed over the years to promote seamless connectivity. Today, airports in Zambia compensate for the lack of road connectivity. The country has airstrips in national parks and reserves, facilitating smooth transport options for locals and tourists.
Top 11 Airports In Zambia For Easy Travelling
A detailed guide to Zambia’s airports, enhancing transportation, communication, tourism, and economic connectivity across the country’s key regions.
1. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport / KKIA
Photo: Steve001 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) is Lusaka’s largest and most significant airport, located in the Chongwe District, approximately 27 kilometers northeast of the city center. Originally named Lusaka International Airport, it was renamed in 2011 to honor Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda. The airport features two terminals and can accommodate up to six million passengers. Continuous expansion and upgrades have enhanced its facilities, offering modern security and comfort services. Its architecture reflects a strong commitment to functionality and innovation.
Places To Visit Nearby: Mount Kinabalu
Nearby Hotels: Protea Hotel Lusaka International Airport
Nearby Restaurant: Fox & Hound Restaurant Lusaka, Mabula Restaurant Acacia Park
2. Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
Photo: viarami / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Situated on the northern edge of Livingstone, Zambia, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport serves as a key gateway to Victoria Falls, a renowned tourist attraction and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Formerly known as Livingstone Airport, it was renamed to honor Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, a prominent leader of the Zambian African National Congress. The airport features a 7,520-foot runway, apron lighting for operational efficiency, and a capacity to accommodate 700,000 to one million passengers.
Places To Visit Nearby: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls
Nearby Hotels: Ravine Lodge
Nearby Restaurant: Nyumi Nyumi Restaurant
3. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport / SMKIA
Photo: Powie / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
SMKIA was originally named Ndola International Airport. Its name was changed to Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in honour of Zambia’s former vice president, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe. SMKIA is a major airport in Zambia serving Ndola, Copperbelt Province. The airport has a fuel farm, Instrument Landing System, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), and quarantine facility, among other tech-savvy facilities. It is powered by navigation supports like ILS and ADS-B.
Places To Visit Nearby: Copperbelt Museum, Lake Kashiba
Nearby Hotels: Protea Hotel Ndola
Nearby Restaurant: Salome’s restaurant
4. Mfuwe Airport
Photo: geraldfriedrich2 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Mfuwe Airport is one of the public airports in Zambia. It was constructed in the mid-1970s as a domestic airport. It gained the status of an international airport in 1995. The airport is pivotal to access South Luangwa National Park, a repository of diverse wildlife. The airport is situated in Luangwa Valley, which is about 100 km west-northwest of Chipata. Mfuwe Airport is among the four international airports in Zambia and experiences high traffic from July to October. It is a Category 5 civil airport with customs facilities.
Places To Visit Nearby: Mfuwe Town
Nearby Hotels: Blue Waxbill Lodge
Nearby Restaurant: Mukula Cafe
5. Solwezi Airport
Photo: Nick115 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Solwezi Airport is the largest airport in the province of Solwezi. It is 4 km from the city centre of Solwezi and at an elevation of 4,583 feet above sea level. The airport uses non-directional beacons for smooth aircraft navigation. This civil airport was renovated by Kansanshi Mining PLC. One of the upgrades was the construction of a new runway to handle larger aircraft. As per the Airports in Zambia map, the airport significantly boosts the mining industry in the region.
Places To Visit Nearby: Kifubwa Hill, Kansanshi Game Reserve
Nearby Hotels: Royal Solwezi Hotel
Nearby Restaurant: Royal Solwezi Hotel Restaurant
6. Kasama Airport
Photo: StockSnap / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kasama is the capital of Northern Province, Zambia, and this airport is conveniently situated 1 km from the M1 highway. The airport was initially designed and constructed by the British colonial empire as an air base for WWI. However, it is now a civilian airport. While the construction of revamped, new facilities is in the pipeline, the airport offers basic facilities to the passengers. Northern Zambia is booming in tourism, and Kasama Airport is indispensable to this growth.
Places To Visit Nearby: Kasama Inari Shrine, Tsukuba Navy Air Corps Memorial Museum
Nearby Hotels: Threshold Lodge
Nearby Restaurant: Thorn Tree Cafe
7. Chipata Airport / CIP
Photo: viarami / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
CIP is in Chipata and about 15 kilometres northwest of the business centre of the city. The airport is an important connecting link to the surrounding natural resources and cultural sites. Infrastructural development has been conducted in a phased manner. Owing to certain inadequacies in infrastructure, the airport has limited capacity for international flights. The Zambian government is invested in renovating and updating the airport facilities, mainly the runway and other safety measures.
Places To Visit Nearby: Chipata Town
Nearby Hotels: Protea Hotel Chipata
Nearby Restaurant: Hungry Lion Chipata
8. Kalabo Airport
Photo: EduSantosDG / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The airport was built to serve Kalabo and the adjacent regions. The region contributes to the economy for its oregano cultivation and is a place of major interest. Connectivity through this airport is necessary to access Liuwa Plain National Park and other local sites. Its single runway measures 1,100 meters but is subjected to seasonal flooding during rainy seasons. Since the airport enhances regional connectivity, trade, and commerce, it has also consecutively fueled the regional economy and tourism of Zambia.
Places To Visit Nearby: Liuwa Plains National Park
Nearby Hotels: Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka
Nearby Restaurant: Copper Pot Restaurant
9. Sesheke Airport
Photo: IvaCastro / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Sesheke Airport (SJQ) connects to the towns of Sesheke and Katima Mulilo in Namibia. The airport is primarily equipped to handle domestic flights but also has international flight connectivity to and from Namibia. The airport is vital in promoting access to the remote and off-beate routes of Zambia and Namibia that are accessed by tourists and business executives. It has access to remote attractions of tourist interest. SJQ facilitates border trade between Zambia and Namibia, which contributes to the regional economy.
Places To Visit Nearby: Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambezi River
Nearby Hotels: Sesheke Lodge
Nearby Restaurant: Passione Restaurant
10. Mansa Airport / MNS
Photo: TheDigitalWay / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Mansa is a relatively smaller airport in the Luapula Province of Zambia. The only airline that operates from this airport is Proflight Zambia, and its one crucial destination is Ndola. About 20 to 30 flights land and depart from the airport per month. Nonetheless, the airport is necessary to connect Mansa with other parts of Zambia and facilitate regional travel. Plans to upgrade Mansa to an international airport are underway. The aim is to enhance its status as one of the entry points into Zambia.
Places To Visit Nearby: Mansa Catholic Cathedral, Mumbuluma Falls
Nearby Hotels: Sali Riverside Resort
Nearby Restaurant: Palm Court Restaurant Mansa
11. Lukulu Airport
Photo: Peggy_Marco / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Among the other airports in Zambia, this airport serves Lukulu in the Western Province. The airport has excellent connectivity via road and is pivotal to regional ease of access and tourism. To ensure hassle-free functionality, regular maintenance and development works are also implemented in the airport. The airport is a vital route to access the routes adjacent to the Zambezi River. The many burgeoning economic centres of Zambia are travelled via this airport. Mostly, local and charter flights are operational here, with a strong emphasis on the region’s commercial activities.
Places To Visit Nearby: Nina Fishing Camp
Nearby Hotels: Matoya Fishing Lodge, Lukulu Fishing Lodge
Nearby Restaurant: Copper Pot Restaurant
Zambia is a symphony of wildlife, swathes of scenic landscapes, gastronomical delights, thrilling nightlife, and untainted resources. Zambia boasts of a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient history preserved through ages that are well-connected via the modern airports in Zambia. The country is a visual treat and an awe-inspiring safari. Plan your dream vacay to TripXL for the perfect combination of thrill and leisure.
Cover Photo: yakshup / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
