List of Airports in Zimbabwe
As of 2024, there are 13 airports throughout the country of Zimbabwe according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Zimbabwe are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Zimbabwe
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buffalo Range Airport | BFO | Buffalo Range | Small |
| 2 | Bulawayo Airport | BUQ | Bulawayo | Small |
| 3 | Bumi Hills Airport | BZH | Bumi Hills | Small |
| 4 | Chipinge Airport | CHJ | Chipinge | Small |
| 5 | Gweru Airport | GWE | Gweru | Small |
| 6 | Harare Airport | HRE | Harare | Medium |
| 7 | Hwange Airport | WKI | Hwange | Small |
| 8 | Hwange Nat Park Airport | HWN | Hwange Nat Park | Small |
| 9 | Kariba Airport | KAB | Kariba | Small |
| 10 | Mahenye Airport | MJW | Mahenye | Small |
| 11 | Masvingo Airport | MVZ | Masvingo | Small |
| 12 | Mutare Airport | UTA | Mutare | Small |
| 13 | Victoria Falls Airport | VFA | Victoria Falls | Medium |
Major Airports in Zimbabwe
1. Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE)
Airport Code: HRE
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Robert Mugabe Road, Harare, Zimbabwe
Nearby Cities:
- Harare (0 miles)
- Chitungwiza (15 miles)
- Ruwa (10 miles)
- Norton (30 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Zimbabwe
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Kenya Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 2 million passengers
Airport Location and History
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is located 15 kilometers south of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. It was originally known as Harare International Airport until it was renamed in 2018 in honor of the former president, Robert Mugabe. The airport opened in 1947 and has since undergone several expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, including the construction of a new terminal building and upgrading of various facilities.
The airport serves as the main international gateway to Zimbabwe, linking the country to several major global destinations, particularly in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It is a critical hub for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, connecting travelers to the country’s rich wildlife reserves, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities. Over the years, it has been pivotal in facilitating business travel and cargo operations, especially for industries like mining and agriculture.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 1: 4,500 meters (14,763 feet), capable of handling large aircraft, including wide-body jets.
The airport’s terminal includes various services such as duty-free shopping, lounges, restaurants, and car rental services. The runway is capable of handling long-haul flights and large aircraft, making it suitable for international flights. The airport is continually expanding and modernizing its infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger traffic and to improve the overall travel experience.
2. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
Airport Code: VFA
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Nearby Cities:
- Victoria Falls (0 miles)
- Livingstone (10 miles, Zambia)
- Hwange (70 miles)
- Bulawayo (215 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Zimbabwe
- Ethiopian Airlines
- South African Airways
- British Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 500,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Victoria Falls Airport is located about 18 kilometers from the world-famous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The airport opened in 1967 and has been an important gateway for tourists visiting the falls and the surrounding area, including nearby game reserves and national parks. The airport underwent a major expansion and renovation project in 2016 to increase its capacity and improve its facilities, enabling it to handle more international flights and larger aircraft.
Victoria Falls Airport serves as a vital connection point for both international tourists and domestic travelers. It is especially crucial for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, providing easy access to the falls and serving as a stepping stone for safaris and other adventure tourism experiences. The airport also supports regional flights, linking Zimbabwe to neighboring countries like Zambia and South Africa.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Victoria Falls Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 1: 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), capable of handling large aircraft, including wide-body jets.
The airport has a modern terminal that includes duty-free shopping, lounges, food outlets, and car rental services. The runway is long enough to accommodate long-haul international flights and large aircraft, including wide-body jets. The airport continues to expand its services, ensuring that it can accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting the region.
3. Bulawayo Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ)
Airport Code: BUQ
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Nearby Cities:
- Bulawayo (0 miles)
- Gweru (90 miles)
- Hwange (150 miles)
- Victoria Falls (220 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Zimbabwe
- South African Airways
- FlyAfrica
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 300,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Bulawayo Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, which has a rich cultural history and is a major industrial hub. The airport was renamed in 2014 in honor of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, a prominent Zimbabwean nationalist and politician. It was originally built in the 1940s and was later expanded to serve both domestic and regional flights.
The airport is strategically important for connecting Bulawayo to the rest of the country and regional destinations, particularly South Africa, as the city is a key economic and cultural center. While smaller than Harare’s Robert Mugabe International, it serves as an important regional hub for both business and tourism.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bulawayo Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 1: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), capable of handling large aircraft, including wide-body jets.
The airport has a basic terminal with services such as duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges. The runway is capable of handling large aircraft, though the airport does not see the same level of traffic as Harare or Victoria Falls. Bulawayo’s airport continues to grow in importance, and plans are in place for infrastructure upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger and cargo traffic.
4. Hwange National Park Airport (HWN)
Airport Code: HWN
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Hwange, Zimbabwe
Nearby Cities:
- Hwange (0 miles)
- Victoria Falls (70 miles)
- Bulawayo (150 miles)
- Livingstone (105 miles, Zambia)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (mainly used for charter and domestic flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 20,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Hwange National Park Airport serves the region around Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous wildlife reserves. Located about 100 kilometers from Victoria Falls, the airport was originally constructed to serve the needs of tourists visiting the park. It handles mostly charter flights and seasonal tourism traffic, providing a direct gateway for safari-goers and eco-tourism visitors.
The airport is essential for facilitating tourism in the Hwange region, especially given the area’s abundant wildlife and the park’s status as a major conservation area. It also serves as a point of entry for travelers from neighboring Zambia and other Southern African countries.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Hwange National Park Airport has one small runway:
- Runway 1: 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft.
The airport’s facilities are basic, with a small terminal that offers check-in services and basic amenities. The runway is capable of handling smaller to medium-sized aircraft, but it is not designed to handle large, wide-body jets. The airport serves a niche market of wildlife tourists, providing a convenient and accessible entry point for those visiting Hwange National Park.
5. Mutare Airport (UTA)
Airport Code: UTA
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Mutare, Zimbabwe
Nearby Cities:
- Mutare (0 miles)
- Chipinge (45 miles)
- Harare (170 miles)
- Masvingo (160 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (primarily used for general aviation and regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 5,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Mutare Airport is located near the eastern border of Zimbabwe, in the city of Mutare. Originally built for military use, the airport has been converted to serve general aviation and regional flights. It is one of the smaller airports in Zimbabwe and primarily supports domestic flights to other parts of the country, particularly to Harare and Bulawayo, as well as some charter services.
The airport plays a role in supporting the economy of Mutare and the surrounding regions, particularly for local businesses, tourism, and agriculture. It also serves as a vital point of access for rural areas, helping to facilitate transportation in a region that is less connected by road infrastructure.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Mutare Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), suitable for small aircraft.
The airport has basic facilities, with services primarily for general aviation, including hangars, fueling stations, and small terminal services. The runway is designed for small to medium-sized aircraft and is not suitable for large commercial jets. Mutare Airport continues to serve the local population and plays a small but important role in Zimbabwe’s regional air transport network.