List of Airports in Swaziland
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Swaziland according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Swaziland are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Swaziland
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matsapha International Airport | MTS | Manzini | Small |
Major Airports in Swaziland
1. King Mswati III International Airport (SHO)
Airport Code: SHO
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Manzini, Swaziland
Nearby Cities:
- Manzini – 12 miles
- Mbabane – 26 miles
- Siteki – 38 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Airlink (South Africa)
- South African Airways (seasonal)
- Flysafair (South Africa)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 100,000 passengers annually (pre-pandemic data)
Airport Location and History
King Mswati III International Airport is the largest and most significant international gateway to Swaziland (now Eswatini), located in the central part of the country, near Manzini. The airport opened in 2014, named in honor of the reigning monarch, King Mswati III. Its construction was part of the government’s efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure and encourage economic development, tourism, and international business.
Historically, the need for an international airport arose as the existing Matsapha Airport, although functional, was considered too small to handle growing traffic. King Mswati III International Airport was developed with the vision of positioning Swaziland as a regional hub in Southern Africa. Despite its relatively recent opening, the airport has faced challenges with passenger traffic, as international flight connections remain limited. However, it plays a crucial role in facilitating both domestic and regional flights, connecting Swaziland with major cities in Southern Africa.
In addition to its international services, the airport supports domestic connections, including flights to Johannesburg, South Africa, and is an essential asset for Swaziland’s tourism industry, which draws visitors to its game reserves, nature parks, and cultural landmarks.
Facilities and Infrastructure
King Mswati III International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 04/22: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)
The runway is capable of handling large aircraft, including wide-body jets such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, making the airport suitable for long-haul international flights. The terminal includes check-in counters, baggage handling, duty-free shopping, lounges, and a range of amenities to serve both business and leisure travelers.
The airport also offers ground transportation options, including taxis, buses, and car rentals, providing easy access to nearby cities such as Manzini and Mbabane. While the airport is still developing its full potential, it plays a critical role in the country’s transportation network and is vital for facilitating both regional and international connectivity.
2. Matsapha Airport (MTS)
Airport Code: MTS
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Matsapha, Swaziland
Nearby Cities:
- Manzini – 6 miles
- Mbabane – 22 miles
- Siteki – 31 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- South African Airways (charter flights)
- Airlink (regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 50,000 passengers annually (pre-pandemic data)
Airport Location and History
Matsapha Airport, located about 6 miles from Swaziland’s commercial capital Manzini, is the country’s second most significant airport. It served as the primary international airport before King Mswati III International Airport opened in 2014. Although Matsapha Airport is now mainly a domestic and regional hub, it remains crucial for facilitating connections to Southern Africa and supporting Swaziland’s economic activities.
Matsapha’s history dates back to the 1960s, when it was originally established as a military airstrip. Over the years, it was developed to handle civil aviation, and it became the country’s busiest airport before the opening of King Mswati III International Airport. Despite the newer airport taking over international traffic, Matsapha continues to serve as an important regional airport, offering flights to destinations in South Africa and nearby countries.
The airport’s location near Manzini, Swaziland’s industrial and commercial center, makes it vital for business travelers, trade, and tourism. It also has logistical importance for freight and cargo transport within the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Matsapha Airport has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 2,000 meters (6,562 feet)
The runway is capable of handling smaller to medium-sized aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and regional jets. However, it is not suitable for large, wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A380. The terminal at Matsapha Airport is more basic compared to the larger King Mswati III International Airport, but it includes essential amenities such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and a small waiting area.
Despite its smaller infrastructure, the airport remains a key link in Swaziland’s transport network, offering connections to regional cities like Johannesburg and Durban. Ground transportation options include taxis and buses, which provide convenient access to Manzini, Mbabane, and surrounding areas.
3. Nhlangano Airport
Airport Code: N/A
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Nhlangano, Swaziland
Nearby Cities:
- Nhlangano – 0 miles
- Manzini – 35 miles
- Mbabane – 50 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- No scheduled airlines (used for chartered flights and small aircraft operations)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 1,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Nhlangano Airport is a small regional airport located in the southern part of Swaziland, near the town of Nhlangano. It serves as a point of departure for domestic flights and chartered services, catering mainly to business travelers, local commuters, and those working in the agricultural and mining sectors of the region.
The airport’s origins are modest, and it has never been a major gateway for international or commercial flights. Instead, it is primarily used for smaller aircraft operating within Swaziland and regional destinations in Southern Africa. Its location in the south of the country, relatively close to the border with South Africa, makes it a convenient point for cross-border flights and regional connections.
While Nhlangano Airport does not have the infrastructure to support large aircraft, it serves a critical role in connecting Swaziland’s remote southern regions with other parts of the country.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nhlangano Airport has one runway:
- Runway 09/27: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
The runway is only suitable for smaller aircraft, such as light propeller planes and small regional jets. It cannot accommodate larger commercial jets or wide-body aircraft. The terminal at Nhlangano is basic, offering very few amenities but providing essential services for passengers traveling within Swaziland.
Since Nhlangano is primarily a regional and domestic airport, ground transportation options are limited to taxis and private vehicles, which provide access to nearby towns and cities.
4. Big Bend Airport
Airport Code: N/A
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Big Bend, Swaziland
Nearby Cities:
- Big Bend – 0 miles
- Manzini – 44 miles
- Mbabane – 58 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- No scheduled airlines (mainly chartered flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 500 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Big Bend Airport is located in the southeastern part of Swaziland, near the town of Big Bend. This small regional airport primarily serves chartered flights and is mainly used for local travel and specialized services related to agriculture, mining, and tourism.
The airport’s history is limited, and it was never intended to handle major commercial or international flights. It is, however, an important transport hub for travelers within Swaziland’s rural southeast, providing access to the agricultural regions and other businesses operating in the area.
Big Bend Airport is an essential facility for the local community, helping to support economic activities in the region, including transport for goods and services.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Big Bend Airport has one runway:
- Runway 15/33: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The runway at Big Bend is designed to accommodate small aircraft, including regional turboprops and small jets. It is not suitable for large aircraft, and the airport’s infrastructure is minimal, with only basic services provided.
The airport’s small size and limited facilities mean that it plays a niche role in Swaziland’s aviation network, supporting the region’s economy with small-scale air transport. Ground transportation is provided by local taxis and vehicles.
5. Sikhatini Airstrip
Airport Code: N/A
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Sikhatini, Swaziland
Nearby Cities:
- Sikhatini – 0 miles
- Manzini – 35 miles
- Mbabane – 55 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- No scheduled airlines (used for private flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 200 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Sikhatini Airstrip is a small airstrip located in the central part of Swaziland. It serves primarily as a private and chartered flight destination, supporting travel for local residents and businesspeople operating in the region. While it is not used for commercial flights, the airstrip provides valuable access to this rural part of Swaziland.
The airstrip has limited facilities and is mainly used for short-range travel. It supports the local community and businesses, including those in agriculture and natural resource extraction. The airport is used mainly by small aircraft and private pilots.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Sikhatini Airstrip has one runway:
- Runway 10/28: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
This airstrip is only suitable for light aircraft and is not equipped to handle larger commercial aircraft. Its role is vital for local aviation needs, providing a point of access for small-scale travel.
Ground transportation in Sikhatini is limited, with most travelers relying on local vehicles for access to other towns and cities.