list of airports in Botswana

:## Exploring the Skies: A Guide to Botswana’s Airports

Botswana, a land of incredible natural beauty and wildlife adventures, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. Understanding the country’s airport infrastructure is crucial for planning a smooth and efficient trip. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Botswana, outlining their locations, services, and relevance to your travel plans. Whether you’re flying in for a safari or conducting business in Gaborone, this article will help you navigate the skies of Botswana.

#ff6900 What You Need to Know About Botswana’s Aviation Landscape

Botswana’s air travel network predominantly serves the tourism industry, facilitating access to remote safari lodges and national parks. While Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone handles the majority of international traffic, numerous smaller airports and airstrips are vital for internal travel and connecting to specialized tourism destinations. The Department of Civil Aviation of Botswana regulates and oversees all aviation activities within the country ensuring safe and efficient air travel.

#ff6900 Major Airports in Botswana

Botswana has a limited number of large, internationally-capable airports. Here are the key hubs:

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) – Gaborone: The primary international airport, serving as the main gateway to Botswana. It offers connections to regional and international destinations. It features full passenger services, cargo handling, and aircraft maintenance facilities.

Maun Airport (MUB) – Maun: The second busiest airport, and an absolute vital air hub for the Okavango Delta, a major tourist draw. It’s the starting point for many scenic flights and light aircraft transfers to safari camps. Expect a bustling atmosphere and a focus on charter services.

Kasane Airport (BBK) – Kasane: Located near Chobe National Park, Kasane Airport caters to a significant number of tourists visiting this renowned wildlife destination. It receives a steady flow of regional flights and charter operations.

#ff6900 A Comprehensive List of Airports & Airstrips in Botswana

Here’s a detailed table listing the airports and airstrips currently operating in Botswana. Please note that some airstrips are unpaved and primarily used for light aircraft. Information is based on the latest available data, but it’s always best to confirm details with your airline or travel operator.

Airport Name	IATA Code	ICAO Code	Location	Surface	Services
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport	GBE	FBSK	Gaborone	Asphalt	Full Passenger & Cargo Services
Maun Airport	MUB	FMMA	Maun	Asphalt	Full Passenger & Charter Services
Kasane Airport	BBK	FBKS	Kasane	Asphalt	Passenger & Charter Services
Francistown Airport	FTR	FBFN	Francistown	Asphalt	Limited Passenger & Cargo Services
Selebi-Phikwe Airport	SXK	FBSP	Selebi-Phikwe	Asphalt	Limited Passenger Services
Ghanzi Airport	GZI	FBGZ	Ghanzi	Gravel	Limited Passenger & Charter Services
Jwaneng Airport	MKL	FBJM	Jwaneng	Asphalt	Limited Passenger Services
Letlhakeng Airport	LXK	FBLX	Letlhakeng	Gravel	Limited Passenger Services
Lobatse Airport	LBT	FBLS	Lobatse	Gravel	Limited Passenger Services
Molepolole Airport	MPL	FBMP	Molepolole	Gravel	Limited Passenger Services
Palapye Airport	PPY	FBPP	Palapye	Asphalt	Limited Passenger Services
Serowe Airport	SRW	FBSW	Serowe	Gravel	Limited Passenger Services
Tutume Airport	TUT	FBTU	Tutume	Gravel	Limited Passenger Services
Xakanaxa Airstrip	XAX		Okavango Delta	Gravel/Dirt	Safari Transfers
Pom Pom Airstrip	POM		Okavango Delta	Gravel/Dirt	Safari Transfers
Chief’s Island Airstrip	CHI		Okavango Delta	Gravel/Dirt	Safari Transfers
Moremi Game Reserve Airstrip	MRM		Moremi Game Reserve	Gravel/Dirt	Safari Transfers
Savute Airstrip	SVI		Chobe National Park	Gravel/Dirt	Safari Transfers
Linyanti Airstrip	LNI		Linyanti Wildlife Reserve	Gravel/Dirt	Safari Transfers
Manyane Airstrip	MYN		Chobe National Park	Gravel/Dirt	Safari Transfers
Numerous other unpaved airstrips throughout the Okavango Delta and national parks	–	–	–	–	Safari Transfers

Note: Many airstrips within the Okavango Delta and other game reserves do not have official IATA or ICAO codes and are managed by individual lodges and safari operators.

#ff6900 Traveling Between Airports: Options and Considerations

Getting between Botswana’s airports, especially to remote safari destinations, requires careful planning. Here are your main options:

Scheduled Flights: Air Botswana offers domestic flights connecting Gaborone, Maun, and Francistown.

Charter Flights: The most common and convenient way to reach lodges in the Okavango Delta and other remote areas. Several companies specialize in these services.

Road Transfers: Possible between some airports and towns, but often time-consuming and not suitable for accessing lodges within the national parks.

Combination: Often, travelers will combine a scheduled flight to a regional hub (like Maun) with a charter flight to their final destination.

#ff6900 Future Developments in Botswana’s Airport Infrastructure

Botswana is committed to improving its aviation infrastructure to support tourism growth and economic development. Planned upgrades include expansions to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and Maun Airport, as well as improvements to several regional airstrips. These developments aim to increase capacity, enhance safety, and provide a better travel experience for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main international airport in Botswana?
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone is the main international airport.

2. Which airport is best for accessing the Okavango Delta?
Maun Airport (MUB) is the primary gateway to the Okavango Delta.

3. Are all airstrips in the Okavango Delta paved?
No, the vast majority of airstrips within the Okavango Delta are unpaved (gravel or dirt) and are maintained by individual lodges.

4. Do I need a visa to transit through a Botswana airport?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. Check with the Botswana Department of Immigration or your embassy before traveling.

5. What airlines fly to Botswana?
Air Botswana, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and various regional charter airlines serve Botswana.