Southdowns Airport

Southdowns Airport: The Link to Zambia's Copperbelt

Introduction

Southdowns Airport (IATA: KIW, ICAO: FLSO) is located in the heart of Copperbelt Province and acts as a central transportation center for towns across multiple regions. Serving the great scenic diversity and rich cultural heritage of Zambia, this midsized airport is located only 9 kilometers from Kitwe.

Airlines and Destinations

The airport currently only handles a select number of domestic routes in Zambia. Zambia Airways is the only airline with passenger services to and from the capital Lusaka, as well as the tourist destination of Livingstone. The airport serves as a primary link, although connectivity is somewhat limited, it remains an important transport hub supporting inter-regional travel and aiding economic growth in the Copperbelt province.

Passenger and Flight Volumes

Southdowns Airport is a midsized airport, dealing with moderate levels of passenger traffic and flight movements. While the airport itself has been more of a trickle destination in recent years, logging about 500,000 passengers through its terminals each year. It has one runway, designated 11/29, which sees a limited number of daily flights serving domestic routes flown by Zambia Airways.

How to Get Here

Southdowns Airport is not too far from the city of Kitwe, so it should be relatively easy to access. To reach the airport, visitors can choose between different land-based transport alternatives. Directions to & from Ndola airport: By car, the airport has good road connections and is easily accessible by private vehicle, taxi or local buses if you are in the Kitwe surrounding areas.

Parking

Southdowns Airport has few parking stalls available for travelers. Parking at the airport takes only a short time because the parking lots are close to the terminal building for customer convenience. Parking is quite economical, so if arriving in your own car, it might just be the way to go.

Transportation Prices

The cost of traveling to and from Southdowns Airport differs according to the mode of transport. Taxis from Kitwe to the airport charge 20-30 Zambian Kwacha, and local bus services are as low as 5-10 Kwacha each. Also, for a more exclusive experience that is also slightly more expensive, some organized shuttle services may be available.

Terminal Layout

The passenger facilities at Southdowns Airport are located in a single terminal building. The terminal is pretty small and all organized in a grid with very intuitive navigation. Both arrivals and departures are fast-tracked through the same airport terminal facility, with highly visible wayfinding directing passengers to check-in counters, security screening points (entrance into an airside area accessible only by cleared departing passengers) and gate areas.

Navigate the Airport

Because of its small scale and basic layout, Southdowns Airport is easy to get your head around. The terminal will provide numerous facilities and services to passengers, such as check-in desks, security screening stations and departure gates which are all easily accessible from a central area. The airport is well signposted with clear instructions and information easy to locate, making a smooth journey for the weary traveler.

Getting Between Terminals

Since Southdowns Airport is home to only one terminal, travelers are spared the necessity of countless transfers from one gate to another. There is no need for additional ground transportation or transfer as all arrivals, departures and connecting flights are served within the same facility.

Services and Amenities

This is in sharp contrast to the bustling international hubs with hundreds of shops and restaurants, but by Southdowns Airport standards, these basic services are sufficient for its passengers. These vary from a bunch of kiosks, set up for the purpose of food and beverage to retail shops catering to essentials. All essential services such as washrooms, prayer rooms and limited seating are available for passengers at the terminal.

Restaurants and Shops

Food and retail choices at Southdowns Airport are limited, which matches the airport's middle-size. There are a couple of local dining establishments and small convenience stores at the airport with snacks, drinks as well as travel essentials. But a number of the airport's hundreds of thousands of passengers per year are just connecting from one flight to another, so while there is breakfast and coffee available, much else feels limited to fast food, save for some healthier options.

Security and Customs

Southdowns Airport follows standard South African Airports Security and Customs processes for domestic and international travel. Passengers must go through security, which involves airport body checks and hand (or more precisely personal luggage) luggage inspection. There is also a customs process for arrivals from and departures to international destinations, thus managing the secure movement of people and goods.

Accessibility

Southdowns Airport aims to meet the needs of passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. The terminal building and facilities have modern accessibility features, including clearly indicated pathways and designated parking for passengers with special needs. In addition to excellent customer advocacy, airport staff also provides useful assistance and advice with respect to your travel journey.

Travel Tips

The airport operates to a tight schedule, and you are advised to arrive at the airport before your flight. This leaves plenty of time for the passenger to navigate through check-in, security and available terminal amenities. Travelers are also urged to read up on the airport before they arrive so that their access is more seamless and efficient.