Overview of Vilankulo Airport

Vilankulo Airport is a small international airport located in the coastal town of Vilankulo, Mozambique. It is the main gateway for tourists traveling to the popular Bazaruto Archipelago, which is known for its beautiful beaches and marine life. The airport has a single runway and terminal building.

The airport is operated by Aeroportos de Moçambique (ADM), which is the country’s national airport management company. Vilankulo Airport serves several domestic and international airlines, including LAM Mozambique Airlines, South African Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Passengers can expect basic facilities at the airport, including a cafeteria, souvenir shop, and currency exchange desk. There are also car rental services available. The airport has limited parking facilities, and public transportation is not readily available.

Despite its small size, Vilankulo Airport has seen significant growth in recent years, with an increase in passenger traffic driven by the region’s popularity as a tourist destination. The airport is currently undergoing renovations and expansion to improve its capacity and facilities, including the addition of a new VIP lounge.

Overall, while Vilankulo Airport may be small, it plays an important role in serving the growing tourism industry in Mozambique. Its location as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago makes it a vital transport hub for travelers visiting this stunning part of the world.

Terminals at Vilankulo Airport

The Vilankulo Airport in Mozambique has a single terminal building that serves domestic and international flights. The terminal was renovated in 2011, with improvements to the facilities and an increase in the number of check-in counters.

Passengers entering the terminal are greeted by a spacious and well-lit departure hall, which includes a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The terminal also has several VIP lounges, which can be accessed by passengers with certain airline memberships or by paying a fee.

Inside the terminal, there are separate areas for domestic and international flights, each with its own check-in counters and boarding gates. Additionally, the airport has a dedicated area for security screening and baggage handling.

Overall, the terminal at Vilankulo Airport is modern and well-maintained, providing passengers with a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Airlines and Destinations

The following airlines operate from Vilankulo Airport:

– LAM Mozambique Airlines: Maputo, Beira, Inhambane, Pemba, Quelimane, Johannesburg
– Ethiopian Airlines: Addis Ababa
– CFA Voyages: Nosy Be (Madagascar)
– Airlink: Johannesburg, Kruger Mpumalanga
– Blue Air: Iasi (Romania), Larnaca (Cyprus), Turin (Italy), Dublin (Ireland), Liverpool (United Kingdom)
– TAP Air Portugal: Lisbon

Domestic routes include flights to major cities within Mozambique such as Maputo, Inhambane, Beira, Pemba, and Quelimane.

International destinations serviced by Vilankulo Airport include Johannesburg in South Africa, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Nosy Be in Madagascar, Larnaca in Cyprus, Iasi in Romania, Turin in Italy, Dublin in Ireland, and Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

There may be seasonal changes to available routes and frequencies, so it is recommended to check with the individual airlines or a travel agent for the most up-to-date information.

Transportation Options at Vilankulo Airport

Vilankulo Airport, also known as Vilankulo International Airport, is located in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. Although it is a small airport, there are several transportation options available for passengers to get to their desired destination.

One of the most popular choices for transportation is the shuttle service. There are several companies that offer shuttle services from Vilankulo Airport to nearby hotels and resorts. These shuttles are often comfortable and air-conditioned, making for a pleasant ride after a long flight.

Another option available is car rental. Many international car rental companies have branches at the airport, including Avis and Europcar. Renting a car can be a convenient option if you plan on exploring the area on your own or prefer to have your own transportation.

For those on a budget, there is also a shuttle bus service available. The shuttle bus operates between the airport and several destinations within Vilankulo, including the central market and various hotels. This option is cheaper than taking a taxi but may take longer due to multiple stops along the route.

If you prefer to travel by train, Vilankulo has a train station located about 3 kilometers from the airport. However, it is important to note that train schedules can be unpredictable and delays are common.

Lastly, there are taxis available at the airport, although it is recommended to negotiate the price before getting into the taxi. Taxis are a good option if you are short on time and need to get to your destination quickly.

In summary, there are multiple transportation options available at Vilankulo Airport. From the convenience of shuttle services and car rentals to the budget-friendly shuttle bus and traditional taxis, passengers have plenty of choices to get to their desired destination. It is recommended to research the best option for your needs and budget before arriving at the airport to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Parking Options at Vilankulo Airport

Vilankulo Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options for travelers. The airport has a parking lot conveniently located near the terminal building, making it easy to park and access your flight.

For short-term parking, the rates are as follows: 1 hour – $2, 2 hours – $4, 3 hours – $6, and $1 for each additional hour after that. For long-term parking, the daily rate is $10. There is no weekly or monthly rate available.

If you are picking up someone from the airport, there is a 20-minute free parking zone located in front of the terminal building. This gives you enough time to meet your guests without having to worry about paying for parking.

It is important to note that the parking lot is not monitored 24/7, so travelers should take necessary precautions when leaving their vehicle unattended. Additionally, it is always a good idea to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare to ensure that you can find a parking spot and make it to your flight on time.

Check-In Procedures

At Vilankulo Airport, passengers have three different options for check-in: online, self-service, and traditional methods.

The online check-in process allows passengers to check in for their flight from the comfort of their own home or office. This option is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Passengers can simply visit the airline’s website, enter their booking reference number, select their seats, and print their boarding passes.

The self-service check-in kiosks at the airport allow passengers to check in for their flights themselves. These kiosks are usually located in the departure hall of the airport. Passengers can simply scan their boarding pass, or enter their booking reference number, and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the check-in process.

For passengers who prefer a more traditional approach, there are designated check-in counters at the airport staffed by airline representatives. These counters are usually located in the departure hall of the airport and are marked with the airline’s logo. Passengers can present their travel documents to the representative, who will then check them in for their flight and issue their boarding pass.

No matter which check-in method passengers choose, it is important to arrive at the airport with sufficient time to complete the process and proceed through security screening. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours before the scheduled departure time for international flights.

Security Measures at Vilankulo Airport

Vilankulo Airport takes security very seriously and has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff.
These measures include baggage screening, passenger screening, and CCTV surveillance.
To ensure a smooth security check, passengers are advised to arrive early, have their documents ready, remove any metal objects from their pockets, and follow the instructions of the security officers.
It is also important to note that certain items are prohibited from being carried onboard, such as weapons, explosives, and liquids above 100ml.
By following these guidelines and cooperating with the airport staff, passengers can have a stress-free and secure travel experience at Vilankulo Airport.

Customs and Immigration Process at Vilankulo Airport

Upon arrival at Vilankulo Airport, passengers will be required to fill out an immigration form and present their passport for inspection.
Visitors to Mozambique are required to have a valid visa, which can be obtained in advance or upon arrival.
After clearing immigration, passengers will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage and then proceed through customs.
There are restrictions on certain items such as firearms, drugs, and counterfeit goods, which are not allowed into the country.
For departing passengers, they must check in their luggage and present their passport for verification before going through security.
After passing through security, passengers will clear immigration and proceed to their departure gate.

Amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport building
  • Duty-free shops selling a range of products from wine to souvenirs
  • Currency exchange services for both local and foreign currency
  • A variety of restaurants and cafés serving local and international cuisine
  • A VIP lounge offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, and access to flight information and free Wi-Fi
  • Baby changing facilities and a play area for young children
  • A pharmacy and first aid services available 24/7
  • ATMs and banking facilities for your financial needs
  • A baggage wrapping service to protect your luggage during travel
  • Car rental services to ensure you have a convenient mode of transportation upon arrival

Accessibility Services

Vilankulo Airport strives to provide facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.

These services include wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and accessible toilets. The airport also provides visual and audible aids for those with hearing or visual impairments.

Passengers are encouraged to inform the airline or airport in advance of their specific needs to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience. Staff at the airport are trained to assist passengers with disabilities throughout their journey.

Connecting Flights at Vilankulo Airport

Connecting flights at Vilankulo Airport can be quite smooth if you follow a few tips. Firstly, it’s important to check your flight schedule and make sure you have ample time between flights.

Upon arrival at Vilankulo, keep an eye out for signs directing you towards the connecting flight terminal. You will also need to go through security again before boarding your connecting flight.

If you have checked luggage, make sure to confirm with the airline that it will be transferred directly to your connecting flight. Finally, be sure to monitor the departure time of your connecting flight and plan accordingly to avoid any delays or mishaps.

Baggage Claim and Lost Property

Upon arrival at Vilankulo Airport, passengers are advised to proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage. Baggage carts are available for use free of charge.

In case of lost or damaged baggage, passengers must immediately report to the baggage services desk located within the baggage claim area. The staff will assist in recording the details of the lost or damaged luggage and provide a tracking number for reference.

Passengers must retain their baggage tags until they have received all their luggage. Any missing baggage must be reported within 24 hours of arrival. In the case of damaged luggage, passengers must report the issue before leaving the airport premises.

It is recommended that passengers place identification tags on their luggage to assist in identifying the owners in case of misplaced or lost baggage.

Emergency and Medical Facilities

Vilankulo Airport has a well-equipped medical centre on site, with trained medical personnel available 24/7 to attend to any emergency cases. The medical centre is fully equipped with essential medical equipment and supplies.

In the event of an emergency, the airport has clear procedures in place to ensure that emergency services respond promptly. The airport’s fire and rescue team is highly trained and equipped to handle any emergency situations.

In addition to these facilities, Vilankulo Airport also has an ambulance service on standby, ready to transport passengers to the nearest hospital if necessary. Passengers can rest assured that they are in good hands in the event of any medical emergencies while at the airport.

Hotel Accommodations

There are several hotel accommodations available within and near Vilankulo Airport.

Some of the closest options include: Casa Babi (1 km), Vilanculos Beach Lodge (1.5 km), Vilanculos Beach Chalets (2 km), Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel (3 km), and Vilanculos Beach Lodge – chalets (3 km).

These hotels offer various amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and shuttle services to the airport.

In addition to these options, there are also several other hotels and guesthouses located a bit further away from the airport but still within a reasonable distance.

Overall, there are plenty of choices for travelers looking for comfortable and convenient hotel accommodations near Vilankulo Airport.

Useful Tips:

– Arrive early to avoid long lines and potential delays.
– Bring snacks and water as options for food and beverages are limited.
– Check-in online to save time at the airport.
– Be prepared for the heat and humidity by dressing comfortably and bringing a hat.
– Keep a close eye on your luggage and valuables at all times.
– Use the airport’s free Wi-Fi to stay connected with loved ones or to plan your next adventure.
– If you need transportation, book a trusted taxi service in advance or arrange for your hotel to pick you up.
– Lastly, don’t forget to take in the beautiful sights of Vilankulo before leaving the airport.

Contact Information

Airport Administration: +258 84 820 4630
Airport Customs: +258 293 82 30
Airport Police Department: +258 84 841 2458
Airport Fire Department: +258 84 820 5400
Lost & Found: +258 84 848 4283
Airport Clinic: +258 84 613 0739
Airport Parking: +258 84 863 8353

Airports Near Vilankulo Airport

There are several airports near Vilankulo Airport that may be convenient for travelers:

  • Inhambane Airport – approximately 270 km from Vilankulo Airport. Travelers can take a taxi or shuttle service to reach Inhambane Airport.
  • Maputo International Airport – approximately 750 km from Vilankulo Airport. Bus and taxi services are available to reach Maputo International Airport.
  • Pemba Airport – approximately 730 km from Vilankulo Airport. Travelers can take a taxi or shuttle service to reach Pemba Airport.

Useful Links

Wikipedia