Solwesi Airport

Solwezi Airport: Your Gateway To Zambia's North-Western Province

Introduction

Located in the heart of Zambia's North-Western Province, Solwezi Airport (IATA: SLI, ICAO: FLSW) is an important center for transit and logistics. Recent refurbishments have made this a more capable entry point for those traveling inside and outside of the country via air.

Airlines and Destinations

As it stands, Solwezi Airport serves domestic flights within Zambia, with three key airlines operating services from the airport. There are direct flights from Proflight Zambia and the recently re-launched national carrier, Zambia Airways to Lusaka (LUN), the capital of Zambia. Proflight Zambia also serves Kalumbila, a mining town, and operates the longest non-stop flight from Solwezi to Lusaka, which is 161 miles (259 km) and takes about an hour and ten minutes.

Passenger And Flight Count

Solwezi is a small city airport with very few flights, and it seems we had only just missed the passengers from those planes as well. Yet, thanks to the recent investment in airport infrastructure, which saw a runway extension to accommodate larger planes, flights and passengers are all expected to rise over the coming years, especially with the high-capacity boom of resource export out of the region.

How to Get Here

Solwezi Airport (located approximately 2.5 km from the city centre) can be reached directly by cab, private cars, or by public means of transportation like buses and minibuses. The airport enjoys a good level of road connectivity with the surrounding network and is easily accessible from different parts of the North-Western Province and beyond.

Parking

In addition to having on-site parking that is suitable for both long-term and short-term use, there are specific parking areas for visitors near the terminal building, and people who will travel by private vehicle can also take advantage of this.

Transportation Prices

There are various prices for transportation to and from Solwezi Airport, and they could vary depending on the kind of transport service you decide to use. This overview will hopefully convince you to take a taxi ($10-20 one-way, private transfers available for at least $15 per person) from the airport! When seeking cheaper options, public transportation, like buses or minivans, is one of them, and you can get a bus for less than $5 per person.

Terminal Layout

As a relatively small airport, Solwezi Airport has only one terminal building where both arriving and departing passengers are processed. The terminal is suitable for the present passenger traffic, with basic fittings and facilities offered to the passengers across.

Navigate the Airport

Solwezi Airport itself is exceedingly small and simple to navigate. The signage was good at the terminal, and the staff were very helpful in answering any questions or providing directions we had.

Getting Between Terminals

Objectively, it was not possible for passengers at Solwezi Airport to be shifting from the one terminal building because there is only a single terminal. All arrivals and departures are consolidated under one roof, making for an extremely logical flow through the airport.

Services and Amenities

Facilities and services provided at Solwezi Airport include check-in counters, baggage claim facilities, and some food and beverage services. While choices may be few, passengers can find basic services to make their journey more pleasant.

Restaurants and Shops

The airport is fairly basic, with limited food and shopping options, a few local tastes mixed in with some international favorites such as McDonald's; there are also only the most essential travel shops plus a small selection of souvenir stores. Passengers should pack in advance and bring any food or drinks they may need with them, as the outlets located within might be restricted.

Security and Customs

Standard domestic security and customs procedures for flights within Zambia are available at Solwezi Airport. Security screening and a proper ID are required for passengers before proceeding to their gates. The customs process is equally uncomplicated, making additional declarations or procedures a pleasure with helpful officers on call.

Accessibility

Solwezi Airport has been designed to cater to passengers with disabilities and special needs. The terminal building and facilities are all fitted with ramps, designated parking, and other supports that would cater to the effective movement of the elderly and others through each stage of their travel.

Travel Tips

Traveling through Solwezi Airport: check-in, delays & more. Solwezi Airport experiences few flight frequencies, but passengers are advised to arrive at the station early enough before their scheduled departure time because it is possible that one might find the lines too long or disrupted. ALSO: Remember to have an empty water bottle that you can fill (post-security) and pack snacks or entertainment in case the line is long.