Mozambique’s Vilanculos Airport was recently re-launched after major renovations.
The construction of the new airport took 13 months to complete at a cost of approximately US$10 million. The total area of the new airport is 7 200 sqm, increasing capacity to 200 000 passengers annually. The airport consists of two departure terminals, a separate domestic terminal and an international arrivals terminal. The airport also boasts three car rental offices.

Safety provisions have also been taken into consideration, with the fire brigade and marshals having their own facilities near the airport. In addition, emergency generators have been placed in strategic areas in and around the airport.

The Mozambican government is making significant investments in airport facilities across the country, with a view to creating better conditions for those looking for tourism opportunities in Mozambique. The upgrade was necessitated by the substantial growth in tourism, particularly international tourism, seen over the last four years in the Inhambane Province.

Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza, says: “This is not the only airport in Mozambique that we have a chance to improve and reform. It will be the first of many. This will improve tourism. In order to realise our efforts, the challenge will be to increase and sustain the development of more hotels and luxury resorts. More accommodation is needed for the growing numbers of tourists, wishing to stay with us here in Vilanculos. We hope that the new airport will attract more developmental activity.”

Federal Air recently celebrated the opening of its newly designed offices at Mozambique’s revamped Vilanculos Airport.

“Our exciting new premises have been created to meet the growing demand in tourism in Vilanculos and particularly in the Inhambane Province, says Troy Reiser, MD of Federal Air. “I anticipate that the revamped Vilanculos Airport will provide the spring board for an increase in international tourism. Our new premises position us in such a way that we are poised to meet the demands of a changing tourism industry with a product offering that is world-class.”

Federal Air’s new premises now include reservations and management facilities. “Our staff compliment has also been increased in order to provide our customers with a seamless service. Other offerings at Federal Air include ticket sales and enquiries, baggage enquiries, passenger and general services, as well as a ‘meet’ and ‘greet’ service,” says Reiser.
Federal Air provides daily direct flights from Johannesburg to Vilanculos International Airport. Flights are available from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Nelspruit’s Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport. The airline also offers a 24-hour booking service via its website.