29 Apr 2026

Botswana’s aviation sector is poised for a major transformation, driven by ambitious plans to expand infrastructure and attract international airlines.

Global carriers such as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines have already expressed interest in entering the market, although capacity constraints at local airports and runways remain a key challenge.

To address these limitations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) is undertaking a strategic overhaul that includes plans to expand the Kasane runway and construct a new airport in Maun within the next three to five years.

CAAB chief executive officer, Captain Thuto Toise, shared the developments on Tuesday while providing an update on the Botswana Air Access Initiative and the upcoming AviaDev Africa 2026 conference.

He said the infrastructure upgrades would strengthen connectivity to the northern region, improving access for both business and leisure travellers.

Launched in August 2024, the Botswana Air Access Initiative brings together key stakeholders including CAAB, Botswana Tourism Organisation, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, and the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB).

The initiative seeks to enhance domestic, regional and international air services, positioning Botswana as a strategic business hub in Southern Africa.

Captain Toise said strengthened partnerships with airlines had already resulted in increased non-stop flights, boosting the country’s visibility in key international markets.

Among recent developments, Ethiopian Airlines has introduced a route connecting Maun to Addis Ababa, while Airlink launched direct flights between Cape Town and Gaborone.

South African Airways has resumed services between Gaborone and Johannesburg, and Proflight Zambia has added a seasonal Livingstone-Maun route.

These developments are expected to significantly boost air capacity, with international seat availability projected to rise by 40 per cent from approximately 460 000 seats in 2024 to over 640 000 by 2026.

This surge in capacity demonstrates growing recognition of Botswana as not only a leading tourist destination but also a thriving business hub.

Captain Toise emphasised that the initiative goes beyond attracting airlines, focusing also on ensuring their long-term sustainability.

As part of this effort, CAAB is providing measures including access to passenger and cargo data, marketing assistance, and coordinated engagement with government stakeholders.

Looking ahead, the next phase will target priority markets such as the United States and Europe, while also strengthening the operations of Air Botswana to ensure a balanced and sustainable route network.

Meanwhile, AviaDev Africa 2026, scheduled for June 10-12 in Gaborone, is expected to attract over 450 delegates, including airline executives, airport authorities and tourism officials, to discuss the future of aviation on the continent.

The conference will also feature a familiarisation tour of the Okavango Delta, offering international airline decision-makers first-hand experience of one of the world’s leading safari destinations. HATAB chief executive officer, Ms Lily Rakobong, said the aviation sector was critical to economic growth, noting that increased connectivity would drive foreign exchange earnings and job creation.

She also called for improved immigration processes to ensure seamless travel and maximise the benefits of enhanced air access.

As Botswana pursues economic diversification, aviation is emerging as a key enabler, with stakeholders emphasising the need for infrastructure that supports efficient movement of both visitors and businesses. ENDS