Airport
Southdowns Airport (KIW)
Southdowns Airport is a small gateway to Kitwe and the Copperbelt Province, serving the city of Kitwe and the nearby town of Kalulushi. Compare transfer options to Kitwe city centre, Kalulushi, Ndola and other Copperbelt destinations, and plan your onward journey with ease.
Passengers
Luggage
About Southdowns Airport
Southdowns Airport is a small airfield serving Kitwe, one of the largest cities on Zambia's Copperbelt, and the surrounding Kalulushi District. It sits about 9 km southwest of central Kitwe and around 5 km southeast of Kalulushi.
Historically a provincial aerodrome for the Copperbelt, the airport has shifted from civilian use toward a military role. In 2024, the Zambian government approved transferring management from Zambia Airports Corporation Limited to the Zambia Air Force, converting the site into a military base while retaining its designation as a strategic aerodrome.
The airfield operates a single asphalt runway, 11/29, approximately 2,015 metres long, and supports both fixed-wing and helicopter operations. It does not currently host scheduled commercial passenger flights; activity is mainly general aviation, charter, corporate and military or state flights.
Because facilities are limited, most travelers arrange private transfers, taxis or rental vehicles for the roughly 30–40 minute road journey into Kitwe. Ndola's international airport provides the main scheduled-airline gateway to the region, about an hour's drive to the east.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Southdowns Airport is a compact regional airfield with a single asphalt runway and limited passenger handling areas. It does not have a large multi-terminal complex, and most operations are general aviation, charter, corporate or military flights.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Southdowns Airport
Transfers
Book private transfers from Southdowns Airport to hotels, business locations and other destinations in Kitwe, Kalulushi and the wider Copperbelt Province.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from Southdowns Airport to meetings, industrial sites, events or around Kitwe and the Copperbelt.
Car Rental
Rent a car from Southdowns Airport for independent travel around Kitwe and onward journeys to Kalulushi, Ndola and other Copperbelt destinations.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Southdowns Airport, hotels, mining and event sites and other Copperbelt locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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