Lusaka Airport

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Introduction

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (IATA: LUN, ICAO: FLKK) is the largest and busiest airport in Zambia, serving as its principal gateway into the country's capital city of Lusaka. Located 27km northeast of the city, this international airport is important for connecting Zambia with other parts of the world.

Originally opened in 1967 as Lusaka International Airport, the airport was re-named after Zambia's first president, Kenneth Kaunda, in January 2011. LUN Airport has capacity for 6 million passengers, making it a significant regional hub with multiple domestic and international airlines using the facility as a base.

Airlines and Destinations

The Airport

A diverse range of airlines serves Lusaka International Airport (LUN), offering options to all travelers for both domestic and international flights. Proflight Zambia and Mahogany Air use LUN as a hub for their regional operations, while the largest airlines in terms of movement include Zambian (provisional/experimental), THAI Express, and Royal Zambian Airlines.

Besides these local airlines, LUN Airport receives some international carriers that make non-stop passenger flights to 22 destinations in 11 different countries. The major airline carriers at Lusaka Airport are Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways.

With an already extensive route network, the airport caters to travelers connecting onto a plethora of destinations across Zambia and beyond in Africa, as well as key international hubs from Europe or the Middle East.

Passengers and Flights

Lusaka Airport (IATA: LUN, ICAO: FLLS), known as the "most important airport in Zambia", is home to a large number of flights and operates. More than 3.2 million passengers passed through the airport in that year, underscoring its growing position as a regional aviation hub by 2023.

The airport can be expanded to handle up to 6 million passengers a year, providing "ample capacity for future growth as the Zambian economy develops and tourism grows". It handles an average of 560 flights a month as of flight operations, with the majority flying to and from other major African cities.

How to Get Here

Lusaka Airport (IATA: LUN, ICAO: FLLS), also known as Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, is situated around 27 kilometers to the northeast of the center point of Zambia's capital and largest city. Travelers can reach the airport from the city by the following ways:

• By road: The airport is accessible via the Great East Road, which connects it to downtown. The common options are riding a taxi, booking an Uber/Grab, or using a private transfer.
• Public Transit: Lusaka is serviced by a network of buses and minibuses (kombis) which connect the airport. These vehicles can be boarded by passengers at numerous points in the city and taken to the airport terminal.
• Shuttle: Hotels and travel agencies might offer shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs from the airport, so you can book a room in such a facility if it's convenient for your flight arrangement.

Parking

Lusaka Airport (LUN) offers short and long-term parking options for visitors. The parking facilities of the terminal are close to its amenities, offering a convenient option for passengers.

LUN Airport parking rates are relative to the duration of time you will park. Daily rates will be charged to travelers dealing with short-term parking, while long-term options are available for those looking for an extended stay or leaving their car at the airport during their next trip.

Transportation Prices

Transport to and from Lusaka Airport (LUN) can be pricy, depending on the option you choose and where in town you stayed. Summary prices for transportation are displayed below:

• Taxi: Taxi service can be easily found at the airport, offering door-to-door services. A one-way trip to the center will cost you from $10 to about $20.
• Ride-hailing Services: You can also use popular apps like Uber and Yango in Lusaka to go downtown, which will cost you an average of $8-15 one way, depending on your location.
• The most inexpensive way to get around is by bus and minibus (kombis), where a fare should be... Read More...
• Hotel and tour operator shuttle services, $5-$15 each way per person (price depends on the distance traveled; price may decrease for larger numbers traveling together).

Terminal Layout

The airport of Lusaka is a single terminal building which nowadays handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal consists of two main areas:

• The domestic terminal of the airport is responsible for all flights within Zambia, such as those from reputed airlines like Zambia Airways, Proflight Zambia, and Royal Zambian Airlines.
• International Terminal: is for international passengers checking in and boarding flights to destinations beyond Zambia, on the expansive network of routes served by this airport.

The two piers are linked, providing good access from the domestic arrivals to both domestic and international transfers. Wayfinding systems direct passengers throughout the airport.

Navigate the Airport

Overall, Lusaka Airport (LUN) is relatively intuitive to navigate, thanks in part to its organized layout and helpful signage. This will help you learn your way in the following areas:

• Arrivals and Departures (Identified by separate entrance/exit for each) - Follow the signs to the corresponding section according to where you want to travel.
• Check-in and Security: Airline check-in counters, as well as security screening areas, are situated in the terminal building, and directional signage leads passengers to the appropriate places.
• For non-UK domestic arriving flights, baggage can be collected from the relevant international baggage carousel. Baggage is delivered through Giant Cannon tubes to a separate location within Terminal 5 on arrival at Heathrow.
• Airport Ground Transportation - Taxis, ride-hailing services, and public transportation options are available near the terminal building.

Getting Between Terminals

There is one main passenger Terminal building at Lusaka Airport (LUN) which handles both domestic and international flights. Passengers can move between the domestic and international sections uninterrupted; however, they are not connected landside or airside.

The domestic terminal is a 7-minute walk from the international terminal. LUN-based airlines have interline agreements, so if you are changing from one airline to another and need a connecting flight, it is most likely that you can transfer between terminals without having to check in again.

Nonetheless, you should always double-check with the airline or airport at your transfer point, as there may be differences based on where and which airlines are involved in your travel.

Services and Amenities

Services and Facilities of Lusaka Airport (LUN)

These include:

• ATMs and currency exchangers
• Free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal
• Duty-free shops and other commercial outlets
• Restaurants and cafes
• Premium passenger lounges
• Luggage locker, luggage storage, and left-luggage services
• Prayer rooms
• First aid and medical facilities
• Passenger assistance, including for the disabled
• Customer service desk - The airport has customer support agents available around the clock to assist visitors with their questions and concerns regarding how things work in LUN.

Restaurants and Shops

While Lusaka Airport (LUN) has its fair share of dining and shopping to meet the needs of travelers passing through, it is by no means an international culinary or retail extravaganza. There are a wide variety of food options in the terminal, from local and international cuisine, to duty-free shops and retail outlets.

Here are some of the dining options you can find at this airport:

• Chilanga Mulilo serving traditional Zambian cuisines
• Worldwide quick-meal restaurants
• Cafes and coffee shops
• Bars and lounges

Services available at the airport range from duty-free shopping featuring electronics and cosmetics to souvenirs and other local-interest specialty shops scattered throughout the terminal.

Security and Customs

LUN Lusaka Airport has comprehensive security and customs procedures in place for the safety of passengers using or working at all Zambian airports.

• Security Screening - Before entering the Terminal Building or proceeding to their gates (flights), every passenger is subjected to strict security screening through metal detectors, etc., for all passengers and in-flight items.
• Immigration & Customs - Travelers arriving at Lusaka Airport need to clear immigration and customs formalities, as well as present the relevant travel documents, visas where applicable, and complete any necessary declaration forms.

Passengers should ensure to be at the airport in sufficient time for the completion of these (security and customs) processes, which during busy periods can take some time.

Accessibility

Lusaka Airport (LUN) provides accessible facilities and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.

• Near the terminal entrance, there are marked bays for parking your car
• Ramps and elevators for easy access into the terminal building
• Requestable assistance for wheelchairs and porters
• Restrooms and prayer rooms within reach
• Signs containing braille and audio at various stations
• Help with the check-in, security, and boarding processes

Passengers with special needs should talk to the airline or its representative at the airport in advance to arrange for all necessary assistance to ensure a hasty and comfortable experience.

Travel Tips

Tips for visitors to Lusaka Airport (LUN):

• Allow extra time for check-in, security, and customs during busy travel seasons.
• Have cash (Zambian Kwacha) on you, in case a need arises for paying taxi fares or extra purchases.
• Keep up to date with traffic in Lusaka and allow extra time for your road transfer, as any congestion can cause delays.
• Use navigation tools like Google Maps to navigate through the airport and organize your next steps.
• Remain cautious and hold on to personal items like you would at any other large international airport.
• Get to know the airport services and facilities for when you spend time at LUN.

With this advice, you should find your arrival and departure process at Lusaka Airport in Zambia to be seamless.