KIWFLSOMedium Airport

Southdowns Airport

Kitwe, Zambia4,145 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

KIW

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

FLSO

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

4,145 ft

The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns.

Coordinates

-12.90, 28.15

Kitwe map position.

Airport scale

Regional Airport

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Southdowns Airport overview

Southdowns Airport (KIW) serves Kitwe, Zambia. It is listed as a regional airport, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through KIW.

The airport sits at 4,145 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are -12.9005, 28.1499, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in Zambia.

Nearby alternatives include Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) and Kasompe Airport (CGJ). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across Africa.

KIW planning callout

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For this page, compare KIW with nearby airport links and the Zambia country guide before finalizing route choices.

Southdowns Airport unique facts

KIW fact 1

Southdowns Airport uses IATA code KIW and ICAO code FLSO.

KIW fact 2

KIW serves Kitwe in Zambia.

KIW fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #7 by estimated passenger scale among listed Zambia airports.

KIW fact 4

Across Africa, this airport ranks #456 in the current featured airport set.

KIW fact 5

Southdowns Airport is classified as a regional airport, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

KIW fact 6

KIW sits 4,145 feet above sea level.

Southdowns Airport facilities

Southdowns Airport restaurants

At KIW, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

KIW lounges

For Southdowns Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

KIW WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Southdowns Airport.

Kitwe airport parking

For departures from Kitwe, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

KIW accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Southdowns Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

KIW ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in Zambia; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

KIW currency exchange

Currency desks at Southdowns Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

KIW car rental

Save KIW as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Southdowns Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near Southdowns Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

KIW medical help

For urgent health needs at KIW, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

KIW charging

At Southdowns Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

KIW business travel

Southdowns Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

KIW family travel

Families using KIW should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Southdowns Airport transportation

KIW taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at KIW when arriving late or carrying luggage into Kitwe.

KIW train or metro

If rail is available at Southdowns Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

KIW bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Kitwe, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from KIW.

KIW driving and car rental

Because KIW sits at elevation, check road weather and traffic before relying on tight car-return timing.

Southdowns Airport location

KIW

Southdowns Airport

-12.9005, 28.1499

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport

40 km from KIW

Kasompe Airport

46 km from KIW

Lubumbashi International Airport

160 km from KIW

Solwesi Airport

210 km from KIW

Southdowns Airport traveler tips

KIW tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

KIW tip 2

Weather and aircraft performance can be more noticeable at this elevation, so protect connection buffers.

KIW tip 3

Confirm ground transport availability for late arrivals, especially outside the main city center.

KIW tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around -12.90 latitude and 28.15 longitude.

KIW tip 5

If flying general aviation or charter, verify operating hours, handling, and fuel availability before departure.

KIW tip 6

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips.

Southdowns Airport FAQ

Where is Southdowns Airport located?

Southdowns Airport (KIW) is located in Kitwe, Zambia, at coordinates -12.9005, 28.1499.

What is the IATA code for Southdowns Airport?

The IATA code for Southdowns Airport is KIW. Its ICAO code is FLSO.

Is Southdowns Airport a large airport?

Southdowns Airport is classified as a medium airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a regional airport in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at KIW?

For Southdowns Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Southdowns Airport?

Southdowns Airport is 4,145 feet above sea level; The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns..

Does Southdowns Airport have scheduled airline service?

Southdowns Airport is marked as not having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does KIW serve?

KIW primarily serves Kitwe and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to KIW?

Nearby comparison airports include Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) and Kasompe Airport (CGJ).

What transport should I check first at KIW?

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For Southdowns Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

Southdowns Airport related airports

CGJ

Kasompe Airport

Chingola, Zambia

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

4,636 ft

AfricaGuide

MNR

Mongu Airport

Mongu, Zambia

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

3,488 ft

AfricaGuide

UMB

Kalumbila Airport

Kalumbila, Zambia

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

4,354 ft

AfricaGuide

BBZ

Zambezi Airport

Zambezi, Zambia

Type

Small Airport

Elevation

3,538 ft

AfricaGuide

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