Francistown Airport

Francistown Airport, officially known as Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport, serves as the key aerial gateway to the second-largest city in Botswana. Located on the western outskirts of the city, it plays a crucial strategic role in the transport system of the country's northern region. The airport handles not only passenger flights but also serves as an important hub for cargo aviation linked to the mining industry, as well as a base for the Air Wing of the Botswana Defence Force. Its modern infrastructure makes travel a comfortable starting point for exploring this vibrant economic and cultural centre.

Despite its modest size, Francistown Airport possesses a number of advantages. The new passenger terminal, opened in 2011, offers all essential amenities for travellers, including check-in counters, waiting lounges, car rental offices, and an ATM. Although there are no jet bridges and passengers walk to the aircraft, this is compensated by the quick and efficient work of the staff. The airport plays a key role as the gateway to Northern Botswana, opening access to the region's tourist attractions and serving as an important logistics hub for business trips, particularly those related to mineral extraction.

For the most up-to-date information regarding the operations of Francistown Airport (FRW), it is recommended to use the following contact details. Please note that the airport is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), so many contacts lead to this organisation.

• Official Website: General information about the country's airports, including Francistown Airport, can be found on the official website of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (www.caab.co.bw).
• Inquiry Service Phone: For operational information about flights and airport services, you can call: +267 241 2361.
• Address: Airport Road, Francistown, Botswana.
• Email: For official enquiries, you can contact the Civil Aviation Authority at: caab@caab.co.bw.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official social media pages of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB).
• Lost Luggage Information: regarding lost or damaged luggage, it is strongly recommended to contact your airline's representative office directly in the first instance. The carrier's staff will provide you with all necessary assistance and instructions.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the inquiry service at the phone number listed above.

Francistown Airport (IATA: FRW) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making the journey there quick and simple. Travellers can choose the most suitable method to reach the terminal based on their budget and personal preferences.

Taxi or Transfer. This is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport. Many taxi services operate in Francistown, and cars can be found at designated stands in the city or ordered by phone. The trip from the centre to the airport will take no more than 10-15 minutes. The estimated cost of the trip is 50–80 BWP (Botswana Pula). It is strongly recommended to discuss the price with the driver before starting the journey or ensure the meter is switched on. Many hotels also organise transfers for their guests, which can be a particularly convenient option.

Public Transport. For the most budget-conscious travellers, a ride on local minibuses, known as "combis", is suitable. This is the main mode of public transport in Botswana. The cost of a trip is incredibly low — about 4-5 BWP. However, it is worth remembering that "combis" follow set routes and may not drive directly up to the terminal building. You will likely have to walk a short distance. This option is ideal for those who want to save money and experience the local atmosphere.

Car Rental. If you plan to actively explore the city and its surroundings, renting a car will be an excellent solution. Francistown hosts representatives of both international and local rental companies. With a rented car, you can reach the airport with maximum comfort and not depend on transport schedules. This ensures complete freedom of movement during your journey.

Airport Parking. For those arriving at the airport in a private or rented vehicle, parking is provided on the premises. There are zones for both short-term parking (for dropping off and picking up passengers) and long-term storage of the vehicle during your absence.

Francistown Airport (FRW) is a modern and compact aviation hub, the structure of which is intuitively understandable even for those visiting for the first time. The airport consists of one passenger terminal, serving both domestic flights within Botswana and international destinations.

Thanks to its compactness, navigating the terminal building causes no difficulties. All zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are located in one building, so there is no need to transfer between terminals. The airport layout is very simple: departure and arrival zones are located nearby, and clear signs help you orient yourself easily.

The departure zone includes check-in counters, a security screening point, and a small but comfortable waiting lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a passport control area for international passengers and a baggage claim hall. Everything is located within walking distance, making the arrival process quick and convenient.

Completing all pre-flight procedures generally does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1-1.5 hours before departure. For international flights, it is better to allow about 2 hours to calmly go through check-in, passport control, and security screening. Due to the small passenger volume, long queues are a rarity here.

The history of Francistown Airport, officially known as Phillip G. Matante International Airport, is a story of growth and modernisation, reflecting the development of the city itself and the entire northern part of Botswana. Today's modern terminal complex (FRW) is a relatively new facility that replaced an old airfield with a rich past.

The original airport in Francistown was built in the mid-20th century and served as the region's main air gateway for a long time. Over the years, it acquired strategic importance and became a significant base for the Botswana Defence Force. However, its runway and infrastructure eventually ceased to meet modern civil aviation requirements, limiting opportunities for the city's economic and tourism development.

The decision to build a new airport became a key stage in the region's development. The large-scale project was implemented in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to handle the expected increase in passenger traffic. The official opening of the new airport took place in 2011. This modernisation was not just a reconstruction, but the creation of a completely new complex from scratch at a new location.

The new airport was designed to international standards. It received a modern passenger terminal and, most importantly, an extended runway of about 3,000 metres, capable of accommodating medium-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. This allowed for the establishment of direct air links with major regional hubs and significantly increased throughput capacity.

An interesting fact: after the opening of the new complex, the old airport was completely handed over to the military. Naming the new airport after Phillip Matante, one of Botswana's first political leaders and fighters for independence, was a tribute to the country's history. Thus, Francistown Airport today is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of progress and an important asset for the future of the "Capital of the North".

Francistown Airport (FRW), serving the second-largest city in Botswana, is a modern and compact terminal offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its small size, the airport is well-equipped to meet the basic needs of travellers.

For those wishing to have a bite before departure, a café operates in the terminal, where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. There are also small shops selling essential goods, press, and souvenirs, allowing you to take a piece of African culture with you. The selection of establishments is not vast but sufficient for a short wait.

The airport features standard waiting halls, and for passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. Here you can relax in a quieter atmosphere and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are located in the waiting areas to ensure you stay connected.

Financial services are represented by ATMs for cash withdrawals. A currency exchange point may also be available, but its operating hours can be limited, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance in the city of Francistown. In case of necessity, basic medical assistance can be obtained at the first aid post in the airport.

For passengers with children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are provided. The terminal is designed taking into account the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: ramps and specially equipped restrooms are available. For assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options can be found in Francistown itself, which can be reached by taxi in 10–15 minutes. Specialised conference rooms are not provided at the airport, however, basic conditions for work, such as internet access and a quiet zone, may be offered in the VIP lounge.

When planning a snack at Francistown Airport (FRW), it is important to understand that this is a small regional aviation hub. The infrastructure here is oriented towards serving domestic and some international flights, so the choice of dining establishments is quite modest and designed to meet basic passenger needs. You will not find a variety of restaurants here as you would in major hubs.

The main place where you can have a snack is a small cafeteria or snack bar located in the general hall of the terminal. It is situated in the landside area (before security control), so it is accessible to both departing passengers and those meeting them. The assortment usually includes:

• Hot and cold beverages: coffee, tea, juices, bottled water.
• Light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and chocolate.
• Sometimes the menu may feature traditional snacks of Botswana, for example, biltong (dried meat).

This establishment is ideal for a quick snack before departure. However, if you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do so at one of the restaurants in Francistown itself before travelling to the airport. It is worth noting that prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally slightly higher than in city establishments. Specialised dietary meals (vegan, gluten-free) are likely unavailable here, so passengers with strict dietary requirements are advised to bring food with them. The cafeteria's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, and it may be closed during quiet periods between flights.

To ensure your journey through Francistown Airport passes as comfortably as possible, please review our tips. Francistown Airport (FRW) is an important transport hub in the north of Botswana, and knowing a few nuances will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, use online check-in if your airline offers this option. Although the airport is small and queues here are usually shorter than in major hubs, it is better to have a buffer of time.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage
When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up and stretch your legs freely. Standard rules for carrying hand luggage apply here: liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous goods.

Transit Passengers and Customs Control
If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Thanks to the compact size of the airport, transfers here usually proceed quickly. When passing through customs control, have your passport, boarding pass, and, if necessary, visa ready. Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and declare goods if required.

Economy and Flight Delays
To save money, you can pre-book a taxi or transfer from the airport. Also, take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, and some light snacks. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information about the flight status and your rights (meals, accommodation). Information screens in the departure hall will help track the current schedule.