Kapwepwe International airport (NLA)

Located in the heart of Ndola, Zambia, Kapwepwe International Airport (IATA: NLA / ICAO: FLSK) serves as a crucial gateway to the northern regions of the country. As an international airport, it plays a significant role in connecting Zambia to a variety of global destinations, facilitating both commercial and passenger flights. The airport is named after Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, a prominent politician and former Vice President of Zambia, reflecting its deep-rooted historical and cultural significance.

Kapwepwe International was originally known as Ndola Airport and has undergone significant developments to support its growing role in international travel and trade. The upgrades have included modernizing the terminal facilities, improving runway infrastructure, and enhancing overall passenger amenities to accommodate the increasing influx of travelers.

Strategically located approximately 3 kilometers from Ndola’s city center, the airport boasts a convenient positioning for both business and leisure travelers. Pre-pandemic figures indicate that Kapwepwe International handled over 300,000 passengers annually, with a steady number of flights offering direct routes to key regional hubs like Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, and Kenya Airways, ensuring a diverse and robust network of destinations.

The airport facilitates not only passenger traffic but also significant cargo operations, underpinning Ndola's status as a commercial and industrial hub in Zambia. As the country continues to develop its infrastructure and expand its economic footprint, Kapwepwe International Airport is poised to play an increasingly important role in connecting Zambia to the rest of the world.