16 Sep 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) has proposed an increase and introduction of aviation fees and charges to strengthen revenue generation and ensure continued provision of safe, secure and efficient aviation services.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement in Maun, CAAB Air Navigation Services director, Mr Colonel Moampe, said the engagement was intended to share insights on the proposed revision of aeronautical fees and charges as well as address stakeholders’ concerns.

It was also set to explain how the revised framework could support Botswana’s connectivity, tourism and economic development.

“This engagement forms part of CAAB’s commitment to transparency and consultation with stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors,” he said.

With the changes in aviation environment, Mr Moampe said the cost of maintaining aviation infrastructure had increased, technology evolved and international regulatory obligations becoming more demanding hence the proposed increase in charges.

He said that the additional revenue was therefore, required to maintain infrastructure and systems, retain specialised personnel, keep pace with technological developments and ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and other international obligations.

“The review is not simply increasing revenue but ensuring that the aviation sector has the resources required to maintain a safe, reliable and resilient aviation system,” said Mr Moampe.

CAAB’s Aviation Navigation Services Operations manager, Mr Oabitsa Molefi, stated that the charges would cover costs associated with fuel-spill containment, environmental protection, hazardous-material management, emergency deployment and clean-up.

He also said that the fees would cover technical evaluation and inspection of proposed obstacle sites, including towers, masts and other structures that could affect aviation safety and obstacle limitation surfaces.

Proposed charges include fuel spill response ranging from P1 500 for spills up to one square metre, P3 500 for one to three square metres and P7 000 for three to six square metres, with an additional P1 000 per square metre above six metres.

Under aerodrome, obstacle and inspection fees, CAAB has proposed a charge of P1 484 for inspection of obstacle establishment sites and P5 068 for inspection upon completion of works for established towers and masts.

A non-refundable P50 000 application fee for an air show permit has also been proposed, which the authority said reflected the operational complexity and regulatory oversight required for air shows.  

Wilderness Air - Botswana quality manager, Mr Thabo Mogale, said the proposed increase in charges would negatively affect operators who were already facing challenges relating to service delivery from CAAB.

Mr Mogale said the increases in aviation related costs required careful consideration because they could affect operator’s costs and ultimately the viability and competitiveness of aviation operations.

He further suggested that CAAB explore alternative revenue generating opportunities, including introduction of parking fees and other measures to strengthen its revenue base without placing additional pressure on operators.

The stakeholder engagement forms part of CAAB’s consultation with industry players on the proposed revision of its aeronautical fees and charges. ENDS