โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
The 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.
Amenities 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.
Ground 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.
๐ 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.
It 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.
If 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.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kasompe Airport (CGJ), also known by its ICAO code FLKE, is a significant regional aviation facility serving the city of Chingola in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Located approximately 3 kilometers southeast of the city center in the Kasompe suburb, the airport acts as a critical link for the region's world-renowned copper mining industry. The facility is situated at an elevation of 4,463 feet and is a vital node for both domestic business travel and regional logistics within the Zambian interior.
The airport features a functional, mid-sized passenger terminal that efficiently manages both domestic and select regional international traffic. The terminal is designed for ease of use, with all passenger services including check-in, security, and boarding located within a single integrated structure. Amenities within the terminal include a comfortable Executive Traveller Lounge for premium passengers, several small retail shops, and a cafe serving refreshments and light meals. The facility is also equipped with specialized services for passengers with reduced mobility, including designated pathways and tailored assistance.
Operational capacity at CGJ is centered around its well-maintained 1,432-meter asphalt runway (11/29), which is capable of handling regional turboprops and smaller executive jets. The airport serves as a key destination for carriers such as Zambia Airways and various charter operators, providing essential links to the national capital, Lusaka (LUN), and regional hubs such as Johannesburg and Nairobi. Ground transportation into central Chingola is readily available via official taxis and private vehicle pickups, ensuring easy access to the local mining headquarters and business centers. Its role as a functional and efficient regional airfield makes it an indispensable asset for the economic development of the Copperbelt.
๐ Connection Tips
Kasompe Airport (CGJ) should be planned as a Chingola access field rather than as the place where a larger commercial itinerary is supposed to hold together. The practical commercial air bridge into the Copperbelt remains Ndola, with Lusaka as the national hub behind it. Proflight Zambia's current network still makes Lusaka-to-Ndola the reliable scheduled step, and that tells you how to structure the trip: protect the Lusaka side, then plan the road or charter movement into Chingola separately.
That is especially important because the final transfer from Ndola to Chingola is not trivial if timing matters. It is a meaningful overland leg, and if a mining meeting, border movement, or private-flight handoff depends on it, the transfer should be treated as part of the connection itself rather than as a casual drive after landing. If you are reaching Kasompe by charter, the same rule applies in reverse: keep the international exposure protected in Lusaka and do not force the local airport to carry all the timing risk.
The airport can still be very useful for Copperbelt business precisely because it is closer to Chingola than the bigger commercial gateways. But that convenience only pays off when the road pickup, charter, or company transport is already confirmed. CGJ works best when Lusaka is the protected hub, Ndola is the scheduled commercial bridge, and Kasompe is treated as the final local access step into Chingola rather than a flexible recovery airport.
โ Back to Southdowns Airport