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
Recent traveler reviews for Lubumbashi International Airport (FZQA (FBM)) indicate a generally negative sentiment, often describing the experience as chaotic and challenging. While some essential services are available, passengers frequently report issues with staff conduct and overall efficiency. The airport's average rating is below that of other airports.
What Travelers Love
- Compact Terminal Layout: The single main passenger terminal is described as compact, making navigation intuitive for most travelers.
- Availability of VIP Lounges: For a more comfortable wait, VIP lounges are provided, offering a quiet environment with complimentary snacks and beverages.
- Essential Amenities: The terminal offers some essential services, including cafes, bars, duty-free shops, and stalls featuring local artisan products.
- Short Immigration Wait Times: Recent data suggests relatively short immigration wait times, averaging around 9-10 minutes.
Common Complaints
- Chaos and Corruption: Numerous travelers report a "total mess and chaos experience," with local staff and authorities frequently bothering passengers and attempting to solicit money.
- Inefficient Security and Immigration: Despite potentially short queues, the efficiency of security and immigration processes is considered very unpopular and contributes to a negative overall experience. Some describe "bizarre formalities" and a "surrealistic" check-in process.
- Limited Terminal Facilities and Cleanliness: Terminal facilities are rated poorly, and travelers note limited waiting areas, few shops, and a restricted range of food and retail services. Cleanliness is only moderately valued compared to other airports.
- Ongoing Terminal Development: There are mentions of a new terminal still awaiting completion and opening, suggesting current facilities may be inadequate.
- Basic Baggage Handling: Baggage handling services are described as basic, with issues reported historically.
Overall, while Lubumbashi International Airport offers some basic amenities and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the predominant traveler experience is marred by perceived inefficiency, chaotic environments, and issues with staff, often leading to low satisfaction. Passengers are advised to arrive well in advance for flights due to potentially lengthy 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
- Dar es Salaam (DAR) new
- Bole Int'l (ADD) new
- OR Tambo Int'l (JNB) new
- Jomo Kenyatta Int'l (NBO) new
- Kalemie (FMI) new
- Lilongwe Int'l (Kamuzu Int'l) (LLW) new
- Mbuji Mayi (MJM) new
- Harare International (HRE) new
- Kapwepwe International (NLA) new
- Kananga (KGA) new
- Kolwezi (KWZ) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N'Djili Int'l | FIH |
Kinshasa | A320 | Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) | 124 flights · 966 mi | |
| Bole Int'l | ADD |
Addis Ababa | B788 | Ethiopian Airlines | 113 flights · 1620 mi | |
| OR Tambo Int'l | JNB |
Johannesburg | E190 | South African Airlink | 74 flights · 1007 mi | |
| OR Tambo Int'l | JNB |
Johannesburg | A320 | South African Airways | 67 flights · 1007 mi | |
| Dar es Salaam | DAR |
Dar es Salaam | BCS3 | Air Tanzania | 38 flights · 861 mi | |
| Kalemie | FMI |
Kalemie | A320 | Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) | 24 flights · 412 mi | |
| Jomo Kenyatta Int'l | NBO |
Nairobi | E190 | Kenya Airways | 23 flights · 960 mi | |
| Kapwepwe International | NLA |
— | E190 | Kenya Airways | 22 flights · 124 mi | |
| Harare International | HRE |
Harare | B733 | Kenya Airways | 21 flights · 499 mi | |
| Mbuji Mayi | MJM |
Mbuji Mayi | A320 | Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) | 17 flights · 465 mi | |
| Kananga | KGA |
Kananga | A320 | Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) | 5 flights · 524 mi | |
| Lilongwe Int'l (Kamuzu Int'l) | LLW |
Lilongwe | A359 | Ethiopian Airlines | 4 flights · 448 mi | |
| Kolwezi | KWZ |
Kolwezi | A320 | Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) | 1 flight · 149 mi |
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 | 171 | 5 | May 10, 2026 |
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
2 | 117 | 2 | May 10, 2026 |
South African Airlink
LNK
/ 4Z
|
1 | 74 | 1 | May 10, 2026 |
South African Airways
SAA
/ SA
|
1 | 67 | 1 | May 10, 2026 |
Kenya Airways
KQA
/ KQ
|
3 | 66 | 3 | May 10, 2026 |
Air Tanzania
ATC
/ TC
|
1 | 38 | 1 | May 10, 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.