Francistown International Airport – The Northeast Air Gateway

History African
@africanhistory
13 days ago

Known officially as Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport, Francistown’s main aviation hub sits just a few kilometers from Botswana’s second-largest city. Though quieter than Gaborone or Maun, this airport is a vital link for travelers heading to Botswana’s northeastern frontier, offering both domestic connectivity and military operations support.

🛫 Key Features:

Two runways, the longest stretching nearly 3,000 meters.

A modern passenger terminal inaugurated in 2011, with essential services like check-in counters, baggage claim, car rentals, and a modest waiting lounge.

Adjacent military section used by the Botswana Defence Force—meaning the airport shares both civil and strategic military importance.


🌐 Flight Connections:

Primarily served by Air Botswana, with regular flights to Gaborone, Kasane, and occasional links to Maun.

Also used for chartered flights and private air travel into the Tuli Block or nearby nature conservancies.


🧳 What to Expect as a Traveler:

No jet bridges—boarding is typically done directly on the tarmac.

Basic facilities, so don’t expect large retail zones or restaurants.

Taxis and shuttle services available just outside; the city is under 10 minutes away.


💡 Tourist Tip:
Use Francistown Airport if you're planning an off-the-beaten-path trip to the Tuli Wilderness, Mashatu Game Reserve, or exploring the mining history of northeastern Botswana. It offers a smooth entry point to authentic rural adventures and cultural heritage sites.

Though not the busiest, Francistown International is functional, calm, and perfectly positioned for travelers looking to experience Botswana beyond the mainstream safari circuit.

#FrancistownAirport #BotswanaAirTravel #PhillipMatanteAirport #TravelBotswana #BotswanaFlights #TuliBlockAccess #AirBotswana #FrancistownCity #AirportGuide #NortheastBotswana #TourBotswana #ExploreWithEase

Photo Credit: Flight radar 24