Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM)
Lubumbashi, CD 🇨🇩 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
FZQA
IATA
FBM
Elevation
4295 ft
Region
CD-HK
Local Time
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GPS Code: FZQA
Local Code: Not available
Location: -11.5913° N, 27.530899° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Traveler sentiment regarding Lubumbashi International Airport (FZQA (FBM)) is generally negative, with many passengers describing chaotic experiences and weak service. The airport averages a low rating of 5.6/10, placing it below the average rating of other airports. While there are ongoing modernization efforts, current traveler experiences often highlight significant challenges.
What Travelers Love
- Key Regional Hub: The airport serves as the second-busiest in the DRC, acting as a vital hub for passenger and cargo transport, particularly supporting the mining, trade, and business sectors in southeastern Congo.
- Modernization Efforts: Ongoing initiatives aim to enhance capacity to one million passengers annually, with recent upgrades including improved security screening and digital flight information systems.
- Business Lounges: For those seeking a more comfortable experience, business lounges offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, dedicated workspaces, snacks, drinks, and quiet relaxation areas, which can be booked in advance.
Common Complaints
- Chaos and Corruption: Travelers frequently report a chaotic atmosphere throughout the airport, from arrival to departure, with many experiencing demands for unofficial payments or "assistance" from various staff and authorities.
- Poor Terminal Facilities and Cleanliness: Terminal facilities are often described as being in very poor condition and disrepair. Amenities are limited, with only a small, often closed, duty-free shop and a tiny restaurant.
- Disorganized Security and Immigration: The security check and immigration processes are largely inefficient and disorganized. Luggage undergoes manual inspection due to a lack of scanners, raising concerns about bag safety. Passport control wait times are estimated at 8 minutes, and security wait times at 29 minutes.
- Mandatory Departure Tax: A mandatory departure tax of $55 for international flights and $15 for domestic flights must be paid in cash (USD bills newer than 2006 and undamaged) as credit cards are not accepted.
- Lack of Clear Signage and Assistance: Passengers often find a lack of clear signage or direction, contributing to confusion, especially with no clear separation between local and international passengers.
Overall, Lubumbashi International Airport presents a challenging experience for many travelers, primarily due to issues with organization, facilities, and the prevalence of unofficial solicitations for money. Travelers should be prepared for potential difficulties and allow ample time for all airport procedures.
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Airport Routes
Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) offers 13 flight routes operated by 6 airlines. Major carriers include Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA), Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airlink and others. Popular destinations from Lubumbashi include OR Tambo Int'l, Kapwepwe International, Harare International, Lilongwe Int'l (Kamuzu Int'l) and N'Djili Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- N'Djili Int'l (FIH) new
- Bole Int'l (ADD) new
- OR Tambo Int'l (JNB) new
- Kalemie (FMI) new
- Jomo Kenyatta Int'l (NBO) new
- Dar es Salaam (DAR) new
- Harare International (HRE) new
- Kapwepwe International (NLA) new
- Mbuji Mayi (MJM) new
- Kananga (KGA) new
- Kolwezi (KWZ) new
- Lilongwe Int'l (Kamuzu Int'l) (LLW) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Lubumbashi International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA)
DBP
/ BU
|
5 | 158 | 5 | Feb 9, 2026 |
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
2 | 104 | 2 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
South African Airlink
LNK
/ 4Z
|
1 | 67 | 1 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
Kenya Airways
KQA
/ KQ
|
3 | 62 | 3 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
South African Airways
SAA
/ SA
|
1 | 61 | 1 | Feb 9, 2026 |
|
Air Tanzania
ATC
/ TC
|
1 | 33 | 1 | Feb 7, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07/25 |
10623 ft | 164 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 128.1 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the primary mode of transportation from the airport. They are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are not metered, so it is essential to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before beginning your trip. It's advisable to have local currency (Congolese Francs) or small US dollar denominations for payment.
Rental Cars
A limited number of local and international car rental agencies serve the airport. It is highly recommended to book a vehicle well in advance of your arrival to ensure availability. Some services may require you to arrange for the car to be brought to the airport. Many hotels in Lubumbashi also offer private car or shuttle services for their guests.
Public Transportation
There are no formal, scheduled public transportation options like city buses or trains that directly connect Lubumbashi International Airport with the city center. The main options for travelers are taxis, pre-booked private shuttles, or rental cars.