Victoria Falls Airport & Flights

Victoria Falls International Airport (IATA: VFA, ICAO: FVFA) stands as the primary and most modern international gateway to the breathtaking Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Conveniently situated approximately 22 kilometers (13 miles) south of the vibrant town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the airport is strategically positioned to welcome visitors to this iconic African destination.

Air Travel to Victoria Falls

Originally established in 1966, Victoria Falls Airport underwent a monumental transformation with the completion of a major upgrade and expansion in November 2016. This ambitious project, funded by a $150 million loan from the Exim Bank of China, has dramatically enhanced its capacity and capabilities. The airport now boasts a new international terminal, a refurbished domestic terminal, and a formidable 4,000-meter runway capable of accommodating wide-body long-haul aircraft. This development has been a game-changer for tourism, tripling the airport's annual passenger capacity to 1.5 million and opening up the potential for direct flights from major international hubs.

Expanded Flight Connections to Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Airport offers robust and reliable connections to numerous key destinations across Southern and East Africa, facilitating seamless access for tourists from every corner of the globe. Popular and high-frequency routes include flights from Johannesburg (JNB), Harare (HRE), Cape Town (CPT), Addis Ababa (ADD), and Bulawayo (BUQ). A growing number of major airlines provide frequent and dependable services to Victoria Falls, including:

• Airlink
• Fastjet Zimbabwe
• FlySafair
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• CemAir
• Eurowings Discover (offering seasonal flights from Frankfurt, Germany)

The routes connecting Johannesburg to Victoria Falls and flights from Victoria Falls from Harare are particularly well-serviced, with multiple daily flights providing flexibility for travellers.

Tips for Booking Flights to Victoria Falls

Securing your flight to Victoria Falls is a straightforward process with a variety of online travel agencies and airline websites at your disposal. For competitive fares and comprehensive comparisons, travellers are advised to utilize reputable services like Skyscanner, Cheapflights, or Travelstart. To increase your chances of finding the best deals, it is highly recommended to book your flights several months in advance. Maintaining flexibility with your travel dates, even by a day or two, can often result in significant savings. Signing up for fare alerts from these platforms can also notify you of price drops for your desired routes.

Arrival and Onward Transfers from Victoria Falls Airport

Upon landing at Victoria Falls Airport, visitors are greeted by a range of efficient transfer options to convey them to the nearby town of Victoria Falls and their respective accommodations. Numerous shuttle services, private vehicle hire companies, and taxis are readily available at the arrivals terminal. For those travelling in groups, shared shuttle services often prove to be the most economical choice. Private transfers, while slightly more expensive, offer the unparalleled convenience of a direct, door-to-door service, saving time and providing a stress-free start to your adventure. Many hotels and safari lodges also offer pre-booked airport pickups for their guests.

Essential Travel Tips for Visitors

• Visa Information: Visa requirements for Zimbabwe are dependent on your nationality. It is imperative that all visitors confirm their specific visa requirements with their local Zimbabwean consulate or embassy well in advance of their travel dates. For many nationalities, visas can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. Additionally, for those planning to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia, the KAZA UniVisa is an excellent option, allowing entry into both countries for a single fee, making cross-border excursions to the Zambian side of the Falls much simpler.
• Best Times to Visit: The best time to witness the sheer power and volume of Victoria Falls is during the high-water season, typically from February to May, following the summer rains. For clearer vistas of the rock formations and better opportunities for activities like swimming in the Devil's Pool (on the Zambian side), the low-water season from July to September is ideal, also offering pleasant and dry weather conditions.
• Currency: While the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) is the official currency, the United States Dollar (USD) is widely accepted in Victoria Falls for tourist activities, accommodation, and meals. It is advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards.

Facilities at Victoria Falls Airport

The state-of-the-art international terminal at VFA is designed for passenger comfort and efficiency. It features 14 check-in counters, multiple boarding gates with aerobridges, and efficient luggage handling systems. Passengers have access to a variety of amenities including duty-free shops, curio stores for last-minute souvenirs, a selection of restaurants and cafes, banking facilities, and a business-class lounge. The domestic terminal, housed in the refurbished original building, provides a comfortable and convenient experience for those travelling within Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls Airport

Victoria Falls Airport's strategic location makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring the wider wonders of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. From the airport, a short road transfer can take you across the border to Livingstone in Zambia, offering a different perspective of the Falls. For unparalleled wildlife encounters, Botswana's famous Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant population, is a popular and easily accessible day trip or overnight excursion. Furthermore, connecting flights or road transfers from Victoria Falls provide seamless access to Zimbabwe's largest national park, Hwange National Park, celebrated for its exceptional opportunities for viewing the "Big Five" and other diverse wildlife.