Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is served by Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), the country’s largest and busiest airport. Whether you’re traveling for business, safari adventures, or cultural exploration, Lusaka is accessible from major cities worldwide through a variety of airlines and connecting routes.

Overview of Lusaka International Airport (LUN)

• Lusaka International Airport (LUN) is located about 9 miles northeast of central Lusaka and operates 24/7.
• The airport offers amenities such as Wi-Fi, business centers, ATMs, currency exchange, car rentals, and food outlets.
• It serves as the primary international gateway to Zambia, with direct and connecting flights to many global destinations.

Major Airlines and Routes

Direct Flights

• Lusaka has direct international flights to 20 destinations in 12 countries, operated by 15 airlines.
• The most popular direct international routes are:

Key International Airlines Serving Lusaka

• Emirates (Dubai)
• Qatar Airways (Doha)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa)
• Kenya Airways (Nairobi)
• South African Airways (Johannesburg)
• British Airways (via partners)
• Proflight Zambia (regional and domestic)
• Air Tanzania, Airlink, and others

Connecting Flights from North America, Europe, and Asia

There are no direct flights from the United States or most of Europe to Lusaka. Travelers typically connect via major African or Middle Eastern hubs:

• From the USA and Canada: Common routes connect through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Johannesburg (South African Airways), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Dubai (Emirates).
• From Europe: Most flights connect via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Middle Eastern hubs. British Airways, Air France, and other European carriers offer connecting services in partnership with African or Middle Eastern airlines.
• From Asia and the Middle East: Travelers can connect via Dubai (Emirates) or Doha (Qatar Airways), both of which offer direct flights to Lusaka.Sample Fares and Itineraries.

Sample Fares and Itineraries

Round-trip fares from the US to Lusaka generally range from $900 to $1,200, depending on the season and airline. For example:

• Ethiopian Airlines: Washington Dulles to Lusaka (1 stop in Addis Ababa) from around $912.
• Kenya Airways: New York JFK to Lusaka (1 stop in Nairobi) from around $1,103.
• Qatar Airways: Various US cities to Lusaka (1 stop in Doha) from $1,180–$1,197.

Domestic and Regional Connections

• Lusaka offers direct flights to major Zambian cities such as Ndola, Livingstone, Solwezi, Mfuwe, and others, primarily operated by Proflight Zambia and Zambia Airways.
• Regional connections are strong with frequent flights to Harare (Zimbabwe), Johannesburg (South Africa), Nairobi (Kenya), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

Best Routes and Tips

From Different Continents

Key International Hubs with Direct Flights to Lusaka

Why These Airports Are Most Convenient:

• Frequent and Reliable Service: Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dubai, and Doha offer the highest frequency and reliability for connections to Lusaka
• Major Airline Hubs: These airports are major hubs for leading airlines—Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways—ensuring global reach and smooth transfers.
• One-Stop Global Access: For travelers from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, these hubs provide efficient one-stop routes to Lusaka, minimizing travel time and layovers
• Alliance Connectivity: Star Alliance (Ethiopian), Oneworld (Qatar Airways), and SkyTeam (Kenya Airways) all operate through these hubs, offering seamless connections for alliance members.

Summary Table: Most Convenient Airports for Lusaka Connections

Travel Tips

• Most flights to Lusaka require at least one connection, usually in Africa or the Middle East.
• Booking in advance and being flexible with dates can help secure better fares and connections.
• Lusaka Airport is well-equipped for international travelers, but allow extra time for customs and immigration during peak hours.
• Taxis and hotel shuttles are available for transfers to the city; it’s advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Conclusion

Lusaka is well-connected globally via a network of direct and connecting flights, primarily through African and Middle Eastern hubs. Major airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways offer the most convenient and frequent connections. Whether flying from North America, Europe, Asia, or Australia, travelers can reach Lusaka with one or two stops, making Zambia accessible for tourism, business, and beyond.

Disclaimer: The flight information, routes, airlines, and schedules provided above are accurate as of June 2025. However, airline routes and schedules are subject to change due to operational, seasonal, or regulatory factors. We recommend checking with airlines or travel agents for the most up-to-date information before making any travel plans.