Kasama Airport

Kasama Airport (KAA) is not merely a runway in the heart of the Northern Province of Zambia, but a key aerial gateway for travellers seeking to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of this region. Located near the city of the same name, it serves as a vital transport hub connecting this part of the country with the capital and other major cities. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a significant role in tourism development, opening access to famous waterfalls and ancient rock paintings.

The main advantage of Kasama Airport lies in its strategic location. It is the starting point for trips to impressive waterfalls, such as Chishimba, and to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative site — the Mwela Rock Paintings. The airport predominantly serves domestic flights that provide connections to Lusaka. It is a small and easy-to-navigate airport, making the check-in and boarding process quick and convenient, allowing travellers to begin their acquaintance with the north of Zambia without unnecessary hassle.

Finding exact and up-to-date contact information for small regional airports, such as Kasama Airport (KAA), can be challenging as it may change. We recommend verifying details through official channels or airlines. Below are general guidelines for finding contacts.

• Official Website: At present, Kasama Airport (KAA) does not have a widely known official website. Information is best verified through the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited or your airline.
• Inquiry Desk Phone: It is recommended to request a contact phone number from the air carrier operating flights to Kasama or from travel agencies.
• Airport Address: The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Kasama, in the Northern Province of Zambia.
• Email: A specialised email for general inquiries is typically unavailable. Please use airline contact forms for communication.
• Social Media: Official social media pages for the airport are not maintained. News can be tracked on the pages of airlines flying to this region.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the support service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support is provided by airline staff during flight check-in and boarding.

Kasama Airport (KAA) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, so the journey there will not take much time. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose a taxi, a rental car, or local public transport. A drive from the central part of Kasama usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes.

A taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the most convenient and reliable way to get to the airport. A car can be found on the city streets or requested through your hotel staff. Since not all drivers use meters, it is strongly recommended to agree on the fare in advance. A private transfer will cost slightly more but guarantees a fixed price and saves you from unnecessary hassle.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there is the option of route minibuses, which are the main mode of public transport in Zambia. This is the cheapest method, however, it suits those travelling light and ready for adventure. Minibuses do not have a strict schedule and can be overcrowded. There are no specialised buses, trains, or metro lines to the airport in the city.

Car rental offers maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings and natural attractions of the region. Several rental agencies operate in the city, but it is better to book a car in advance online. There is a small parking area at the airport where you can leave the car. Given the modest size of the air harbour, parking spaces are usually available and located in immediate proximity to the terminal.

Kasama Airport (KAA) is a small regional aviation hub, so its structure is extremely simple and understandable for any traveller. There is no complex system of multiple buildings here, which makes navigation very easy.

The key feature of the airport is the presence of one compact terminal that handles all flights, both arrivals and departures. This is the single building where all necessary services for the passenger are concentrated. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about transfers between terminals — everything is in one place, within walking distance.

Inside, the terminal has a simple layout. Immediately at the entrance are the check-in counters, followed by the security screening point. The departure and arrival zones are effectively in one common space but are functionally separated. After passing control, passengers enter a small waiting hall, from where boarding takes place. The arrival and baggage claim area is also very compact and located near the exit of the building.

Check-in and screening procedures at Kasama Airport usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Long queues are rare here. Typically, arriving at the airport 1–1.5 hours before departure is more than sufficient to calmly check in luggage, receive a boarding pass, and pass all formalities without haste. Getting lost in the airport is practically impossible, but staff are always ready to help and suggest directions.

Kasama Airport (KAA) is not just a runway, but a key transport hub whose history is closely linked to the development of the Northern Province of Zambia. Its path from a modest airfield to a modern aviation complex reflects the region's aspiration for growth and openness to the world.

The exact date of the airport's foundation is not documented, but its history begins in the colonial era when it functioned as a small airfield for administrative and transport needs. For many decades, it served mainly light aircraft, fulfilling an important but local role in the life of the province.

A key stage in the airport's history was a large-scale modernisation completed in 2016. This ambitious project completely transformed its appearance and capabilities. A completely new terminal and a modern control tower were built, and the runway was significantly lengthened and strengthened. Thanks to this reconstruction, Kasama Airport can now accommodate larger aircraft, including Boeing 737 class planes, which was previously impossible.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its rapid transformation. In just a few years, it went from a simple airfield of provincial importance to a modern aviation hub, ready to become a gateway for tourists and investors. Today, the airport is a symbol of the region's economic revival, opening access to the unique natural attractions of the Northern Province and facilitating its integration into the national and international transport network.

Kasama Airport (KAA) is a small regional airport serving the city of Kasama and its surroundings in Zambia. Given its size and predominantly domestic connections, the range of services is basic and designed to meet the essential needs of passengers before departure.

Dining and Shops: At Kasama Airport, you are unlikely to find large restaurants or duty-free shops. Opportunities for a snack are typically limited to a small café or kiosk where you can buy drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. It is recommended to carry cash for payment, as bank card acceptance may be limited.

Lounges and Amenities: A general waiting hall with standard seating is equipped for passengers. There are no specialised VIP halls or business lounges at the airport. Regarding technology, the availability of public Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, and if it exists, the connection may be unstable. Charging points for electronic devices may also be scarce, so it is better to bring a portable power bank.

Financial and Medical Services: There are no banks, ATMs, or currency exchange points within the Kasama Airport terminal. All financial operations, including money exchange, should be done in advance in the city. Medical assistance is limited to a basic first aid point. In case of serious health issues, it is necessary to contact medical facilities in Kasama.

Additional Services: Special rooms for mothers and children or play areas for kids are likely absent at the airport. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance to ensure comfortable movement through the terminal. There are no hotels, conference rooms, or business centres on the airport territory — all accommodation and business meeting options should be sought in the city itself.

When planning a departure from Kasama Airport (KAA), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and dining options here are quite limited. Unlike large international hubs, you will not find a wide selection of restaurants and cafés here. The infrastructure is designed to serve the basic needs of passengers waiting for their flights.

Typically, a small kiosk or snack bar operates in the main and only terminal of the airport. Here you can purchase packaged snacks, such as crisps, biscuits, and chocolate, as well as soft drinks, bottled water, tea, or instant coffee. This is a convenient option for a quick snack if you need to eat something before boarding.

The assortment in such outlets usually does not include hot meals or freshly prepared food. If you are lucky, simple sandwiches or local pastries might be on sale, but one should not rely on this. Options for passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal meals) will almost certainly be absent. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

The opening hours of the snack bar are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before departures and closes after the last plane leaves. Prices may be slightly higher than in the city. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Kasama before arriving at the airport.

Travelling through the airport of Kasama city, which is an important transport hub in the north of Zambia, will be easier and more pleasant if you follow a few tips. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient to pass all formalities without unnecessary stress, even taking possible queues into account.

Check-in and security control procedures at Kasama Airport usually proceed faster than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, to save time, take advantage of online check-in if your airline provides such a service. When passing through security, be ready to present your boarding pass and identification, and remove electronic devices from your hand luggage in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat to enjoy views of Zambia's picturesque landscapes during takeoff and landing. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (packed in a transparent bag), as well as the absence of sharp objects. It is better to verify the full rules on your airline's website in advance.

If you have a transfer planned, consider that Kasama Airport is small. Often, when changing airlines or transferring from a domestic to an international flight (and vice versa), you may need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Upon arrival in the country, have your passport and visa (if required) ready at customs control. If you are carrying goods subject to declaration, fill out the customs declaration in advance.

To save money, book flight tickets well in advance and consider travelling light to avoid fees for excess baggage. It is also useful to carry both cash in local currency and bank cards to pay for services at the airport.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative at the information desk. They are obliged to provide you with current information on the flight status and, depending on the length of the delay, offer drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation. Remain calm and keep all documents confirming your booking at hand.