Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport - BUQ Zimbabwe

The Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, airport code BUQ, is a public airport owned and operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe that is situated a few kilometers from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The airport hosts three airlines - namely, Airlink, Fastjet Zimbabwe, and Air Zimbabwe. The Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport lies at 4,359 feet above sea level. It has two asphalt runways specified at 13/31 and 02/20, with lengths 8,491 feet and 4,419 feet each.

Best Time to Visit

The Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport was originally called Bulawayo Airport. The proposal was passed in 2001 to rename the airport after the Zimbabwean politician who eventually became the Vice President of Zimbabwe from 1987 to 1999 - Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. This suggests renaming was met with some controversy, as aviation operators claimed it would have potential negative aeronautical ramifications. The Bulawayo residents, on the other hand, believed it would be an appropriate tribute to the politician, who died in 1999. Other neighboring and major cities in Zimbabwe are Chitungwiza, Mutare, and Harare.

What to Do & Area Attractions

The Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel is 1.3 miles from the city center and is a short walk away from the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe and Bulawayo City Hall so that guests can immerse themselves in Bulawayo culture. Choice Guesthouse and Backpackers is only 0.8 miles from the city, while Breeze Guest House is 1 mile away.

The Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is the only airport that serves Bulawayo. Harare International Airport and Victorial Falls International Airport are in the neighboring Zimbabwe cities Harare and Victoria Falls.