Botswana Adjusts Operating Hours for Francistown’s Phillip Gaonwe Matante Airport
The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) has announced a revision to the operating hours of Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW) in Francistown. Effective from 23 January 2025, the airport will now operate Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, while on weekends and public holidays, its hours will align with scheduled flight times.
According to CAAB, the updated schedule reflects the airport's current level of activity while maintaining its ability to handle scheduled, non-scheduled, and emergency flights when required. The adjustment is expected to streamline operations and optimize resource allocation, ensuring efficient management of the facility.
Situated on the western outskirts of Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city, Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport plays a crucial role as a gateway to northern Botswana. It serves both domestic and limited international flights, making it a vital hub for travelers heading to key destinations in the region.
For African travel agents, this change highlights the importance of staying updated on operational adjustments at key airports. With the new weekday and weekend schedules, agents should plan accordingly to provide seamless travel experiences for their clients, especially for those connecting to northern Botswana’s attractions, such as game reserves and cultural landmarks.
Despite the reduction in standard operating hours, the airport's flexibility to accommodate non-scheduled and emergency flights ensures that essential services will not be disrupted. This adaptability makes it a reliable choice for business and leisure travelers alike.
As Botswana continues to refine its aviation infrastructure, Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport remains a key player in the country’s travel ecosystem. Travel professionals in Africa can leverage this updated schedule to better serve their clients, particularly in crafting itineraries that connect Francistown to Botswana’s tourism hotspots and neighboring regions.
By aligning its hours with current demand, CAAB is taking a practical approach to ensure efficient operations while maintaining service quality. For travel agents, this adjustment presents an opportunity to emphasize Francistown’s strategic importance as a travel hub and promote the city as a gateway to Botswana’s northern adventures.
As travelers increasingly explore Botswana’s diverse offerings, from wildlife safaris to cultural experiences, agents should remain proactive in understanding changes like these to provide timely and accurate guidance for their clients.
