โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Beira Airport (BEW) is a major aviation facility serving the port city of Beira, the capital of Sofala Province in central Mozambique. As the second-largest and second-busiest airport in the country, it plays a vital role in national transport, providing essential domestic links to Maputo and international connections to major African hubs like Johannesburg. The airport features a single, modern terminal building designed with a simple and clear structure that facilitates easy navigation for both arriving and departing passengers. Its strategic location on the Indian Ocean coast makes it a key gateway for commerce, humanitarian logistics, and tourism within the region.
The terminal interior is organized to provide a logical flow through its various service areas. Facilities include dedicated departure and arrival zones, integrated check-in counters, and comprehensive immigration and customs offices for international flights. Travelers can access several amenities designed for comfort, including cafรฉs and snack counters offering light refreshments, as well as retail shops where local Mozambican handicrafts, souvenirs, and travel essentials are available. A VIP lounge is also situated within the terminal, providing enhanced comfort for business class passengers and those who choose to pay a separate access fee.
Operational procedures at BEW are standard for a regional international hub, with security and safety managed according to Mozambican aviation regulations. During the cyclone season, which typically runs from November to April, the airport's coastal position makes it susceptible to tropical weather events that can impact flight schedules. Passengers are generally advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours for international flights to allow for thorough baggage screening and personal security checks. Boarding at Beira often involves a short walk across the tarmac, offering travelers a direct view of the diverse range of aircraft serving the Sofala region.
Ground transportation from the airport is readily available, with official taxis stationed just outside the arrivals hall. The journey to central Beira is relatively short, providing quick access to the city's unique colonial architecture and coastal attractions. For financial needs, an ATM is located in the arrivals area, though it is highly recommended to carry a reserve of local currency (Mozambican Meticais) as machine availability can be inconsistent. Whether visiting for business in the industrial port area or embarking on an eco-tourism adventure to the nearby Gorongosa National Park, Beira Airport offers a functional and welcoming entry point to the heart of Mozambique.
๐ Connection Tips
Beira Airport (BEW) serves as the second-largest aviation hub in Mozambique, providing a critical link between the central provinces and the national capital, Maputo, as well as regional destinations like Johannesburg. Because the airport operates through a single, compact terminal building that houses both domestic and international operations, navigating for a connection is exceptionally straightforward. For passengers on a through-ticket, particularly with LAM Mozambique Airlines, the transition is managed within a unified secure area, and walking between gates typically takes less than ten minutes. However, for those on an international-to-domestic itinerary, it is essential to allow a buffer of at least two to three hours. This window is necessary to clear immigration, collect any checked baggage, and pass through customs before re-checking for your domestic leg.
Travelers with longer layovers can utilize the Flamingo Lounge, located landside on the first floor near the departure hall; it offers a quiet, air-conditioned environment with Wi-Fi and refreshments for business class passengers or those paying a separate access fee. A significant operational consideration at BEW is the regional weather; the city of Beira is highly susceptible to tropical storms and cyclones, particularly from January to March. During this period, flight delays and cancellations are common, so it is wise to monitor your flight status closely via the LAM app and avoid tight connection windows. Ground transportation into Beira city center, which is about 12 kilometers away, is best handled through pre-arranged hotel shuttles or licensed taxis found outside the arrivals hall; always negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Inside the terminal, basic amenities include a small cafรฉ and retail kiosks selling local Mozambican handicrafts, which are perfect for last-minute souvenirs. Ensure you carry some local currency (Meticais) for small expenses, as the on-site ATMs can occasionally be unreliable.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bazaruto Island Airport (BZB) is a small and exclusive aviation facility serving as the primary air gateway to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique. Located on Bazaruto Island itself, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region's luxury tourism industry, providing direct access for international and domestic visitors to the high-end lodges and pristine marine national park. Scheduled and charter flights from Johannesburg and Vilanculos offer a seamless and scenic journey to this tropical paradise.
The airport terminal is designed to offer a personalized and comfortable welcome to guests of the archipelago. It features a small, private lounge area where travelers can relax with refreshments while their customs, immigration, and baggage procedures are handled by dedicated airport staff. While it lacks the large-scale commercial amenities of major airports, the focus is on providing a smooth, expedited, and welcoming transition from the aircraft to the awaiting resort transfers.
Operational infrastructure at BZB is tailored to accommodate the light aircraft and regional turboprops that are common in southern Africa's tourism sector. The single runway is well-maintained to handle regular private and charter traffic. As all movements are closely coordinated with the island's luxury resorts, there is no public transportation available. All arriving passengers are met by their respective lodge representatives for the final leg of their journey by 4x4 vehicle or boat.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Bazaruto Island Airport (BZB) is a specialized experience tailored for travelers reaching the luxury resorts of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. The most common air 'connection' involves flying from Johannesburg (JNB) to Vilanculos (VNX) via Airlink or LAM Mozambique, followed by a scenic 15-minute transfer to the island. While historically served by Pelican Air, these connections are now typically handled by lodge-specific helicopter shuttles or light aircraft charters. A paramount logistical tip for travelers: BZB is a non-Airport of Entry (non-AOE), meaning all international arrivals must first clear customs and immigration at Vilanculos or Maputo before the final leg to the island.
Upon arrival, your onward connection to resorts like Anantara Bazaruto is handled by dedicated 4x4 or speedboat shuttles. A critical tip for all visitors is the mandatory Bazaruto Archipelago National Park fee (approx. 900 MZN/day), which is often billed through your lodge but may require cash payment upon entry. From a technical perspective, pilots should note that the 1,500-meter asphalt runway (02/20) is well-maintained but strictly restricted to daylight VFR operations as there is no runway lighting. Always monitor for crosswinds and tropical rain squalls, especially during the high-heat months. Financial logistics are handled in Mozambican Meticais (MZN), though South African Rand and US Dollars are widely accepted at the resorts. Ensure you have your visa or waiver processing fee (approx. $11 USD) ready at your first port of entry in Mozambique. For frequent flyers, BZB remains one of the most exclusive and streamlined entry points in East Africa, provided all meet-and-greet services are coordinated through your resort in advance.
โ Back to Beira Airport