Beira Airport

Beira Airport (BEW) is the air gateway to the eponymous port city and the bustling Sofala province in central Mozambique. Situated on the picturesque coast of the Indian Ocean, it serves as a key transport hub for both business travellers and tourists. The airport offers access to tropical beaches, unique culture, and the region's natural wealth, serving as a starting point for unforgettable adventures.

As the second-largest airport in Mozambique, Beira plays a vital role in the country's transport system. It is managed by the state company Aeroportos de Moçambique and offers regular flights to the capital, Maputo, as well as other key cities in the country. International connections link Beira with major African hubs such as Johannesburg and Addis Ababa. Despite its modest size, the terminal is equipped with essential amenities, including cafés and shops, ensuring a comfortable start or end to your journey through central Mozambique.

To contact representatives of Beira Airport (BEW) or to obtain additional information, you may use the following details:

• Official Website: www.aeroportos.co.mz. This is the portal of the management company Aeroportos de Moçambique (ADM), where you can find general information about all airports in the country, including Beira.
• Inquiry Desk Phone: +258 23 301 062 / +258 23 301 072. Recommended for checking real-time flight information. Please consider potential charges for international calls.
• Address: Estrada Nacional Nº 6, Beira, Mozambique. The airport is located approximately 10 kilometres northeast of the city centre of Beira.
• Email: A direct email address for the airport is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the official ADM management company website.
• Social Media: News and updates can be tracked on the official Aeroportos de Moçambique pages on social networks, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you must first contact your airline's representative office located within the airport terminal.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultation, you can approach the information desks directly inside the airport building.

Beira Airport (BEW) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, so getting there is quite quick. Depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences, you can choose from several methods. On average, a trip from the centre of Beira to the airport by car takes about 20-30 minutes, though this time may vary due to traffic conditions.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the simplest and most reliable way to reach the airport. You can order a car at your hotel, find one at designated stands in the city, or use private transport services. Key recommendation: be sure to negotiate the price of the trip with the driver in advance, as meters are not always used. This option is the most comfortable, especially if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage.

For those looking for the most budget-friendly option, there are local minibuses known as "chapas". These vehicles ply specific routes but without a strict schedule. Although this is the cheapest way to travel, it may not be very convenient: "chapas" are often overcrowded, and their route may not pass directly by the terminal entrance. This option is better suited for experienced and adventurous travellers.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement and plan to explore the city surroundings or other regions of Mozambique, it is worth considering car rental. Several rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. For those arriving at the airport in a rented or private car, parking is available. While this is a more expensive option, it provides maximum flexibility in planning your route.

The airport of Beira (BEW) is distinguished by a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for passengers. The airport operates one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This compactness is its key feature and advantage.

Thanks to the logical layout, navigation through the terminal causes no difficulties. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located within the same building. In the departure zone, airline check-in counters, the security checkpoint, and the waiting lounge with boarding gates are located sequentially. The arrival zone includes passport control counters for international flights, baggage claim belts, and customs inspection.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, passengers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings. All procedures, from check-in to boarding the aircraft, take place in one building, which significantly simplifies the process and saves time, especially for travellers with children or a large amount of luggage.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Beira airport usually takes less time than in major transport hubs. Nevertheless, standard recommendations remain in force: it is worth arriving approximately 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass through security, and find your boarding gate without haste.

For navigation through the terminal, signs in Portuguese and English are installed. Due to the small size of the airport, getting lost here is practically impossible. If you have any questions, airport staff or airline representatives are always ready to help and suggest the right direction.

Beira Airport (BEW) has a rich history closely linked to the development of the city of Beira and all of Mozambique. Its construction began in the 1950s, during the colonial period, and the official opening took place in the mid-1960s. The airport was designed by the renowned Portuguese architect Carlos Ramos, and its terminal is still considered a striking example of modernist architecture. It was originally created to serve the country's second-largest city and an important seaport, playing a key role in the region's transport system.

After Mozambique gained independence in 1975, the airport became one of the country's main air hubs. However, the subsequent civil war significantly slowed its development. During this difficult period, the airport infrastructure did not receive proper funding, but it continued to function, providing vital transport links for the central part of the country.

One of the most heroic pages in the history of Beira Airport was its role during natural disasters. It has repeatedly become a centre for humanitarian operations, but its significance was most vividly demonstrated in 2019 following the devastating Cyclone Idai. Despite the airport itself being damaged, it transformed in the shortest possible time into the main hub for receiving international aid, coordinating the delivery of food, medicine, and rescue teams to affected areas. This operation became one of the greatest achievements in the airport's history.

In recent decades, several stages of reconstruction and modernization have been carried out at the airport. The runway has been updated, the passenger terminal expanded and improved, and the navigation system enhanced. Today, Beira Airport represents a modern and functional air gateway that continues to play a strategic role in the economic and social development of central Mozambique, receiving both domestic and international flights.

The airport of Beira (BEW) provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafés or snack counters, which serve light bites and beverages. Shops also operate in the terminal, where you can purchase souvenirs, travel essentials, and local handicrafts to take a piece of Mozambique with you.

General waiting lounges are equipped for relaxation. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of the VIP lounge, access to which is usually provided for a separate fee or for business class ticket holders. Wi-Fi is available on the airport premises, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets. Additionally, ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service, allowing you to conveniently resolve all financial matters before or after your flight.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. For passengers with reduced mobility, conditions for unimpeded movement have been created; however, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms, equipped for convenient care of babies.

In case of necessity, a medical point operates at the airport to provide first aid. Although there are no hotels directly on the terminal premises, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Beira itself, which is easily accessible by taxi. For business travellers, it is worth noting that specialised conference rooms are not provided at the airport, but similar services are offered by many large hotels in the city.

When planning a flight through Beira Airport (BEW), you will find several options for a snack or a full meal. It is important to consider that this is a regional airport, so the selection of establishments here is more modest compared to major international hubs. The main dining points are concentrated in the main terminal and consist of small cafés and refreshment counters offering a basic range of dishes and drinks.

In the general area before security control (landside), there is usually a main café where the selection is somewhat wider. Here you can order sandwiches, pastries, salads, and hot dishes, such as chicken or fish with rice. After passing through security, in the departure zone (airside), there is typically a small kiosk or counter where you can buy beverages, snacks, and something for a quick bite before boarding the flight.

Despite the limited assortment, you can experience notes of local Mozambique cuisine here. Pay attention to pastries with coconut filling or spicy snacks such as chamuças (the local version of samosas). This is a great opportunity to try something authentic without leaving the airport. For a full lunch, the café in the general area is best suited, where a dish of the day may be offered.

Travellers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or Halal options) should be prepared that the choice will be very limited. It is recommended to bring suitable snacks with you to avoid inconvenience. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level for a transit zone. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening before the first departures and closing after the last ones depart.

When planning a departure from the airport of Beira (BEW), it is worth considering a few points to ensure your journey proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary stress. By following simple advice, you can avoid common difficulties and save time and nerves.

Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before the departure of international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to calmly pass through check-in and security control, which may take longer during peak seasons.

Check-in and Security: To speed up the process, use online check-in if your airline provides such a service. Keep your passport, visa (if required), and boarding pass ready. Procedures at Beira Airport are standard, but it is better to have all documents at hand for quick verification.

Seat Selection: If you want to enjoy a farewell view of the picturesque coast of Mozambique, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to quickly leave the cabin after landing are more important to you, the best solution is an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage: Remember standard international rules: all liquids must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Always check the weight and dimension regulations for hand luggage on your airline's website.

Transfer Passengers: If Beira is your transit point, check with the air carrier in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight. If you are flying on different tickets, you will likely have to collect your luggage and check it in again.

Customs Control: Upon entry or exit, be prepared to declare large sums of currency or valuable items. Familiarise yourself with the country's customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Be prepared for possible random luggage inspections.

Saving Time and Money: Exchange currency in the city, not at the airport — the rate is usually better. The same applies to food. To save time upon arrival, book a transfer in advance or use official taxi services to avoid inflated prices.

In Case of Flight Delay: Do not panic. First of all, contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, food, or even accommodation in a hotel. Keep all receipts for forced expenses for possible subsequent compensation.