{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Zambia",
    "addressLocality": "Kitwe"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "Regional Charter",
    "Private Aviation"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Kitwe",
  "code": "KIW",
  "connection_tips": "Connecting at Southdowns Airport (KIW) is a process that requires a high degree of local coordination and patience. Since there are no large-scale scheduled commercial airline services, a 'connection' here typically involves a transition from a specialized corporate flight or a government aircraft to local ground transport for travel across the Copperbelt mining region. Because the facility is transitioning to a military base, you will not find transit desks or automated baggage systems. Instead, you should coordinate directly with your pilot or mission coordinator regarding the manual offloading of luggage.\n\nIt is recommended to allow at least 60 minutes for any transition. Communication and pre-authorization are the most critical factors for a successful transit through the Kitwe area. There is no public Wi-Fi at the terminal, and cellular reception can be intermittent depending on the local network load and topography. It is essential to have your travel authorization and local contact details confirmed and saved for offline access before you depart from a larger hub like Lusaka or Ndola.\n\nIf you are being met by a local driver, they will typically wait near the main gate of the ZAF base when they hear the aircraft approaching. If your flight is delayed, the small terminal building provides basic shelter, but many authorized visitors prefer to wait in central Kitwe. Practical preparation is vital when transiting through this regional industrial site. There are no ATMs or currency exchange offices at the airport terminal, so you should ensure you have sufficient Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) in cash for transport and initial local expenses before leaving your origin.",
  "country": "Zambia",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/zm.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=ZMW",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Dual-use military & industrial facility; prior approval & govt ID are mandatory 4 all visitors.",
    "No ATMs or shops on-site; the nearest services are in Kitwe or Kalulushi, just a short drive away.",
    "Baggage handling is manual; ensure your luggage is robust for out-station transit.",
    "Most commercial traffic uses Ndola (NLA); confirm your flight location carefully before...",
    "Restricted 2 daylight ops; ensure your flight is scheduled 4 early arr 2 avoid outback sunset."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Southdowns%20Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=ZMW",
  "iataCode": "KIW",
  "icao": "FLSO",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": -12.9005,
  "layover_planner_info": "Limited amenities; arrange layover needs in advance.",
  "longitude": 28.1499,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 120,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact airline service desk for missed connections.",
  "name": "Southdowns Airport",
  "region": "Africa",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "LUN",
      "name": "Kenneth Kaunda International"
    },
    {
      "code": "CGJ",
      "name": "Kasompe Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Southdowns Airport (KIW), also identified by its ICAO code FLSO, is a regional aviation facility located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, serving the industrial city of Kitwe. As of early 2026, the airport is in a state of significant transition, following the government's 2024 decision to transfer the facility from the Zambia Airports Corporation to the Zambia Air Force (ZAF). While historically a hub for public commercial flights, the airport now primarily serves as a strategic military base and a center for specialized government and corporate aviation within the Kalulushi District.\n\nThe terminal infrastructure at Southdowns consists of a single, aging passenger building that previously managed domestic transit. The facility is minimalist and designed for low-volume processing, with the departure lounge and check-in areas integrated into the main hall. Currently, the terminal lacks many modern amenities, including automated baggage conveyor belts and dedicated cargo storage zones. The infrastructure includes a single 2,000-meter (6,562 ft) asphalt runway (11/29), which is maintained to support regional turboprop aircraft and military transport, though the surface is frequently reported as being in fair to poor condition.\n\nAmenities within the Southdowns terminal are extremely limited due to its transition to a dual-use military facility. There are no formal retail shops, duty-free outlets, or restaurants operational within the building, and travelers are strongly advised to arrive fully self-sufficient. Basic seating is provided in the waiting areas, but modern services like public Wi-Fi, ATMs, and climate control are not available. Most commercial passenger traffic for the region has shifted to the ultra-modern Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in nearby Ndola, leaving Southdowns to focus on its new role under ZAF management.\n\nGround transportation at KIW is informal and must be pre-arranged, as there are no standing taxi ranks or public bus systems stationed at the terminal entrance. The airport is located approximately 9 kilometers southwest of the Kitwe city center and 5 kilometers from Kalulushi. Travelers coordinate their arrival with local contacts or government offices who provide private vehicle transfers for the short drive into town. The facility is strictly restricted to authorized personnel and operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) during daylight hours only, as there is no reliable runway lighting for night operations. Travelers are advised to confirm their flight authorization and transport arrangements locally before heading to the base.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/FLSO"
}