Maputo International Airport

Maputo International Airport. Source: Kupi.com AI

Maputo International Airport (MPM), formerly known as Lourenço Marques Airport, is the main air gateway to Mozambique and your entry point to the country's vibrant and colorful capital. Located just a few kilometers from the city center, it welcomes travelers with modern architecture and serves as a key transport hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport consists of two terminals: the new international one (Terminal A) and the domestic one (Terminal B), ensuring a comfortable separation of passenger flows.

Features and Services

Maputo Airport offers travelers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. At your disposal is a VIP lounge where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, shops, including Duty Free, and several cafes where you can have a snack and taste local and international cuisine. There are also currency exchange points, ATMs, a post office, and car rental desks on the premises. Free assistance and wheelchairs are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. Transport connections to the city are mainly provided by taxis and hotel shuttles; the trip to the center takes about 15-20 minutes.

Below you will find contact information for Maputo International Airport (MPM). We recommend checking the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: Generally, the most accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the official website of the management company Aeroportos de Moçambique (ADM) — www.aeroportos.co.mz.
• Information Service Phone: The main contact number for flight and service information: +258 21 465 827/8.
• Airport Address: Av. Acordos de Lusaka, Maputo, Mozambique.
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the contact forms or email addresses listed on the airport website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages. Links are usually available on the main page of the website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you need to contact your airline's Lost and Found service directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance at the airport, you can contact the information desks or call the inquiry service.

Getting to Maputo International Airport (MPM) from the city center is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometers away. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences, you can choose one of several transport options.

Public Transport in Maputo is mainly represented by minibuses known as "chapas". This is the most economical way to travel. The cost of the trip is symbolic, usually within 10-20 Mozambican meticals. Although some routes pass near the airport, this may not be the most convenient option for tourists with a lot of luggage due to overcrowding and the lack of a clear schedule. There are no direct rail or metro lines to the airport.

Taxis and Transfers are the most convenient and popular way to get to the airport. A trip from the city center usually takes from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost of a taxi ride is 500-800 Mozambican meticals. It is recommended to use official taxis (often yellow) and always agree on the price before the trip starts or ask to turn on the taximeter. For maximum convenience, you can pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or an online service. This is slightly more expensive but guarantees a fixed cost and timely vehicle arrival.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to travel actively around Mozambique. Desks of several major international and local rental companies are located in the arrival hall of Maputo International Airport. You can both pick up and return a rented car directly at the airport. For those arriving in their own or rented car, paid parking is available on the airport territory with options for short-term and long-term parking.

Maputo International Airport (MPM) consists of two main passenger terminals, each serving different types of flights, making navigation through the airport quite simple and understandable for travelers.

Terminal A (International): This is a modern and larger building, opened in 2010. It serves all international flights. Here you will find check-in counters for international airlines, passport control, and customs zones. In the departure area, you will find duty-free shops, cafes, and waiting lounges. The terminal's architecture is modern, and navigation is facilitated by clear signs.

Terminal B (Domestic): This terminal is older and smaller in size; it is intended exclusively for domestic flights within Mozambique. Flights to cities such as Beira, Nampula, and Pemba are serviced here. The infrastructure here is simpler but includes everything necessary: check-in counters, a security screening area, a small waiting hall, and several kiosks with snacks.

Moving Between Terminals is very simple, as they are located in close proximity to each other. You can easily walk from one terminal to the other in a few minutes. This is especially convenient if you have a connecting flight from international to domestic or vice versa.

Procedures: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure to calmly pass check-in, passport control, and security screening, which may take time during peak hours. For domestic flights, it is usually enough to arrive 1.5-2 hours in advance. Arrival zones in both terminals are equipped with baggage claim belts and counters for further transfer.

Navigation Tips:

• Always check in advance from which terminal your flight departs (A for international, B for domestic).
• Signs are mainly in Portuguese and English, but thanks to the compact size of the terminals, it is difficult to get lost.
• If you have a connection, allow enough time to move between terminals and go through security control again.

The history of Maputo International Airport (MPM) begins in the colonial era. It was opened in 1940 and originally bore the name Gago Coutinho Airport in honor of a Portuguese aviator. Located in the then city of Lourenço Marques, it became the main air hub of Portuguese East Africa from the very beginning, providing connections with Europe and neighboring African territories.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1975, when Mozambique gained independence. The city was renamed Maputo, and the airport received its modern name — Maputo International Airport. From that moment, it became the main air gateway of the new sovereign state and a symbol of its connection with the world. In subsequent years, the airport played a crucial role in the country's development, although its infrastructure remained largely unchanged for a long time.

The most significant transformation in the airport's history occurred in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in neighboring South Africa. The Government of Mozambique initiated a large-scale modernization project. In 2010, a new, modern international terminal capable of serving up to 900,000 passengers per year was inaugurated. And in 2012, the construction of a new domestic terminal was completed. These updates radically changed the appearance of the airport, turning it into one of the most modern in the region.

Today, Maputo International Airport is not just a transport hub but a calling card of the country. It is the main base for the national carrier LAM Mozambique Airlines and receives flights from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Its modern architecture, inspired by local motifs, and improved infrastructure symbolize Mozambique's desire for development and openness to international tourism and business.

Maputo International Airport (MPM) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Whether you are arriving, departing, or transferring, here you will find amenities that will make your journey more pleasant.

Dining and Shopping. Several restaurants and cafes are located in the airport terminals where you can have a snack or drink coffee. Establishments offering both local Mozambican cuisine and international dishes are represented here. Duty Free shops offer a standard range of goods: perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, tobacco products, and souvenirs. There are also kiosks with press and travel essentials.

Lounges and VIP Service. For business class passengers and airline loyalty program members, special lounges are available. They offer complimentary snacks and beverages, comfortable seating, fresh press, and Wi-Fi. Passengers of any class can use the services of VIP lounges for a separate fee to relax in a quiet atmosphere.

Connectivity and Work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected. Special stations and power outlets are provided in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. Basic business services may be available for business travelers, although there may not be specialized conference centers within the terminal itself.

Financial Services. Bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs operate at the airport where you can withdraw cash or exchange money. It is recommended to check the opening hours of exchange points, especially if you arrive late in the evening or at night.

Additional Amenities. Mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with children. The airport has a medical point for first aid. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: ramps, elevators, and special transport for moving around the airport territory. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance of the need for assistance. Several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering convenient accommodation for transit passengers.

At Maputo International Airport (MPM), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal capable of satisfying different tastes and budgets. Catering establishments are located both in the public zone before security control and in the sterile departure zone.

Before Security (Landside): In the public area open to all visitors, small cafes such as Café Sol and snack bars operate. This is an ideal place to drink coffee with those seeing you off or have a quick snack upon arrival. Here you can find fresh pastries, sandwiches, and soft drinks. A light snack will cost approximately $5-10. Usually, these establishments are open during the day but may close earlier than restaurants in the departure zone.

After Security (Airside): The choice of establishments is wider in the departure zone. For passengers waiting for their flight, there are full-service restaurants, for example, O Pescador, offering more substantial meals, and establishments with a wide selection of beverages. A full lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants will cost on average $15-30. Most places here work from early morning (around 6:00) until the departure of the last international flight (approximately until 22:00), so you will not go hungry.

If you want to get acquainted with local cuisine, pay attention to establishments offering Mozambican dishes. This is a great opportunity to try the famous piri-piri chicken or fresh seafood dishes for which Mozambique is famous. For those looking for a quick and familiar snack, coffee shops with sandwiches, salads, and pastries are suitable.

Passengers with special dietary needs are recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff. For vegetarians, vegetable salads and side dishes are usually available. Options for a gluten-free diet may include grilled fish or chicken with rice, but it is important to ensure that there is no flour in marinades and sauces. Finding certified Halal dishes may be difficult, however, many chicken and fish dishes are prepared in an acceptable manner. It is always better to communicate directly with the restaurant staff so that they take your wishes into account.

To ensure your journey through the main airport of Mozambique goes smoothly, use these tips. Maputo International Airport Maputo (MPM) is a key transport hub of the country, and knowing some nuances will help save time and nerves.

Arrival Time and Check-in: 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 complete all formalities without rushing. If possible, complete online check-in to avoid queues at airline counters.

Security Control: Have your passport, visa (if required), and boarding pass ready. Screening procedures are standard, but sometimes may take more time. Be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and other large electronic devices, as well as liquids, from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection: If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, think about your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely and stretch your legs. Seats in the front of the cabin usually ensure faster disembarkation upon arrival.

Hand Luggage: Remember the general rules: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check your airline's rules, as they may differ slightly.

Passengers with Connections: If you have a connecting flight in Maputo, clarify at check-in whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Follow the "Transit" or "Connections" signs. Ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if a change of terminal is required.

Customs Control: Upon arrival in the country, you will need to pass passport control and possibly fill out a migration card. Be prepared to answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and present a hotel reservation or return ticket. If you are carrying goods subject to declaration, use the "Red Channel".

Saving Time and Money: To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher. To save time, organize a transfer to the city in advance or use official taxi services, having clarified the cost beforehand.

Flight Delay: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for expenses that may be subject to compensation.