{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Mozambique",
    "addressLocality": "Lichinga"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "LAM Mozambique Airlines",
    "Mo\u00e7ambique Expresso"
  ],
  "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": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Lichinga",
  "code": "VXC",
  "connection_tips": "Lichinga Airport operates as a small domestic hub in northern Mozambique's Niassa Province, serving primarily LAM Mozambique Airlines flights to Maputo, Nampula, Beira, Tete, and Nacala with limited weekly frequency of approximately 17 flights monthly. The airport sits at 4,505 feet elevation on the Lichinga Plateau, requiring careful attention to weather conditions that can affect operations, particularly during the rainy season from November to April when thunderstorms frequently cause delays. As an Airport of Entry with customs and immigration facilities, it can process international arrivals, though most traffic remains domestic connections within LAM's network.\n\nThe terminal building is modest with basic passenger amenities including a small waiting area and limited food options, so arrive prepared with snacks and entertainment for potential delays. Security screening is straightforward but can take time during peak periods when multiple flights coincide. Ground transportation options are limited in this remote provincial capital, so arrange transfers through your accommodation well in advance or confirm taxi availability, as services may not always be readily available.\n\nThe single ATM frequently runs empty due to limited banking infrastructure, so bring sufficient Mozambican metical cash for ground transportation and incidental expenses, particularly for rural areas outside Lichinga city. Flight connections typically require overnight stays in Maputo due to limited daily scheduling, so plan accordingly when connecting to international destinations and book accommodations in advance. LAM's network operates with smaller aircraft like ATR 42/72 turboprops due to the airport's single 8/26 runway configuration, so baggage restrictions may apply for connections to larger jets on international routes from Maputo.",
  "country": "Mozambique",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/mz.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=MZN",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "The terminal has only one ATM that often runs empty; bring metical cash for onward transport.",
    "Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.",
    "Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.",
    "Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Lichinga+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=MZN",
  "iataCode": "VXC",
  "icao": "FQLC",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": -13.274,
  "layover_planner_info": "Check local transport for layover options.",
  "longitude": 35.2663,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact your airline for assistance.",
  "name": "Lichinga Airport",
  "region": "Africa",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "FXO",
      "name": "Cuamba Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Lichinga Airport (VXC/FQLC) serves the capital of Mozambique's largest and most sparsely populated Niassa Province, positioned on the Lichinga Plateau at 4,505 feet elevation just 15 minutes from downtown and east of Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi), one of Africa's most beautiful freshwater bodies. This regional facility operates as an Airport of Entry with customs and immigration capabilities, connecting the remote provincial capital through LAM Mozambique Airlines' network serving approximately 17 monthly flights to Maputo, Nampula, Beira, Tete, and Nacala via ATR 42/72 turboprops suited to the single 8/26 runway configuration.\n\nThe modest terminal building provides basic passenger amenities including waiting areas and limited food options, with a frequently empty ATM reflecting the region's limited banking infrastructure that requires cash preparation for ground transportation and local expenses. Security screening operates efficiently though delays occur when multiple flights coincide, while the facility's elevation and seasonal weather patterns\u2014particularly November through April rainy season thunderstorms\u2014can significantly impact operations requiring flexible travel planning.\n\nOperational characteristics serve Niassa Province's emerging economic development where natural resource extraction, agriculture, and tourism to Lake Niassa's pristine waters drive limited but growing aviation demand. The facility manages connections for government officials, aid organizations, and business travelers accessing one of Mozambique's most remote regions where road infrastructure remains challenging and aviation provides essential connectivity for the 1.8 million residents scattered across territory larger than many European countries.\n\nStrategic importance extends beyond provincial connectivity to supporting Mozambique's northern development initiatives, enabling access to natural resources including potential mining operations while facilitating tourism to Lake Niassa's untouched shores where friendly locals and aromatic Mozambican cuisine await visitors willing to venture to this sleepy town. The airport exemplifies aviation's role in connecting Africa's remote capitals, maintaining vital links for a province where geographic isolation challenges development but preserves some of the continent's most authentic cultural and natural experiences.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://www.worlddata.info/africa/mozambique/airports.php"
}