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
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Maputo International Airport (MPM), also known as Mavalane International Airport, is the primary aviation gateway to the Republic of Mozambique and its capital city, Maputo. The airport features a large, modern terminal complex divided into dedicated areas for domestic and international traffic, reflecting its status as a critical hub for the southeastern African region. Its architecture features a clean, contemporary design with high-capacity processing areas for check-in, security, and immigration, providing a professional and welcoming entry point for travelers arriving from across the continent and beyond.
The terminal experience at Maputo is professional and efficient, featuring climate-controlled waiting areas that provide comfort in the region's tropical climate. Inside, passengers have access to comfortable waiting lounges, digital flight information systems, and clear signage in both Portuguese and English. The facility is managed with a focus on high-quality service, ensuring that business travelers, government officials, and international tourists can transition smoothly from the aircraft to the city's ground transport network. The layout is optimized for efficiency, with dedicated areas for customs and health screenings to manage international arrivals from major hubs like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Lisbon.
Amenities within the Maputo terminal are comprehensive, featuring a selection of duty-free shops offering local Mozambican products, handicrafts, and international luxury goods, along with diverse dining options ranging from traditional Portuguese-influenced snacks to international cuisine. The facility provides essential modern services such as free Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and dedicated informational kiosks for tourists. Outside the main arrivals hall, a well-organized ground transport network is available, including dedicated taxi stands, airport shuttle buses, and several car rental agencies providing reliable connections to downtown Maputo and the various residential and business districts across the city.
๐ Connection Tips
Maputo International Airport (MPM), also identified as Mavalane International Airport, is the primary and highly efficient aviation hub serving the capital city of Maputo and the broader Republic of Mozambique. A typical ride to central hotels or the Polana district takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs roughly 500 to 800 MZN. While local shared minibuses known as 'chapas' operate along the main road near the airport perimeter, they are often exceptionally crowded and are not recommended for travelers with significant luggage. Arriving at least 3 hours before an international departure is strongly recommended to navigate the thorough security and passport control procedures.
Located approximately 5 to 6 kilometers northwest of the city center, getting to and from the modern terminal is well-organized, making it a model for regional connectivity in southeastern Africa. It is absolutely essential to negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver beforehand, as meters are almost never utilized for airport transfers. For those wishing to explore the spectacular coastal areas of the Bazaruto Archipelago independently, hiring a car with a local driver is the most practical strategy. Always carry sufficient Mozambican Meticais (MZN) in cash for taxi fares and small local transactions, as international card systems can have limited acceptance outside major hotels and the terminal's larger retail outlets.
For most travelers, local taxi services provide the most reliable and common method of transport into town; official taxis are typically found waiting at the designated rank outside the arrivals hall. For most international business travelers and tourists, pre-arranged hotel shuttle servicesโoffered by major brands like the Radisson Blu or the Polana Serenaโprovide the safest and most reliable transfer option and should be coordinated at least 24 hours in advance. The terminal handles regular domestic rotations and major international links to hubs like Johannesburg (JNB), Addis Ababa (ADD), and Lisbon (LIS).
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.
โ Back to Maputo International Airport