Botswana introduces e-gates at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone!

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) has announced the installation of e-gates at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone in Botswana. These self-service machines, located at the international departure security screening points, aim to streamline passenger processing, reduce long queues, and enhance operational efficiency. The e-gates will also validate boarding passes for added security.

The new system is set to go live on 13 February 2025, with airport staff on hand to assist passengers. Additionally, CAAB has revealed plans to introduce centralized passenger and baggage screening for both international and domestic departures from mid-March 2025 to further improve efficiency.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Botswana: P. G. Matante International Airport in Francistown adjusts operating hours!

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) has announced upcoming changes to the operating hours of Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW) in Francistown. Starting 23 January 2025, the airport will operate from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, and on weekends and public holidays based on scheduled flight times. CAAB stated that this adjustment aligns the airport’s hours with its current level of activity. However, the airport will continue to accommodate all scheduled, non-scheduled, and emergency flights as needed.

Located on the western outskirts of Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city, Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW) serves as a key gateway to northern Botswana, offering both domestic and limited international flight services.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Botswana: Air Botswana's Embraer E170 Jet is grounded for safety reasons! [update]

update (27 May 2022): Air Botswana has announced the reinstatement of its Embraer E170 Jet into commercial operation. According to the airline, the inspections carried out resulted in zero findings and that the aircraft is fit for commercial operation, as of today 27 May 2022). 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), the body charged with the regulation and service provision of aviation in Botswana, has grounded Air Botswana's Embraer E170 Jet (registration A2-ABM) on 25 May 2022 by suspending its Certificate of Airworthiness for safety reasons. According to the regulator, the grounding was necessitated by CAAB's concerns over a series of recurring problems surrounding the aircraft. The suspension of the Certificate of Airworthiness will remain in place until Air Botswana has satisfactorily carried out all inspections and tasks recommended by the aircraft manufacturer (Embraer) and the CAAB, and the aircraft is deemed fit for release to service.
According to Air Botswana it has engaged Embraer for technical advice over some of the recurring issues with the Embraer E170 Jet and is currently implementing the recommended corrective plan. The airline further announced that its schedule is not getting affected by the grounding as a contingency plan has been put in place to minimize disruptions to the travelling community. We'll keep you posted!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>