Air Botswana
Botswana’s government-owned scheduled national airline, connecting domestic centres and safari gateways with regional destinations from its Gaborone hub.
About Air Botswana
Air Botswana is Botswana’s national airline and traces its origins to 1972. It operates as a government-owned statutory corporation under the Air Botswana Act, using the IATA code BP and ICAO code BOT. The carrier supports domestic mobility, regional business travel and the country’s tourism sector, particularly journeys involving the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park gateways.
The airline’s primary hub is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone. Its network comprises seven destinations across four countries, served through 23 routes. Gaborone, Johannesburg, Kasane, Maun and Francistown are its busiest departure points, while Nairobi and Lusaka extend its reach into East and Southern Africa. Domestic flights connect the capital with important commercial and tourism centres.
Aircraft types associated with Air Botswana’s operations include the ATR 42-500, ATR 72, British Aerospace BAe 146 and Embraer ERJ-190. These regional aircraft are suited to short and medium-length sectors and to airports serving Botswana’s tourism regions. The passenger product is principally economy-focused, although cabin layouts, seating and onboard service can differ by aircraft and route.
Air Botswana is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. The airline operates its own frequent-flyer programme, Teemane Club, which allows members to earn and redeem miles on eligible Air Botswana-operated flights. Its tier structure provides progressively broader benefits that may include bonus miles, additional baggage, priority services and lounge access, subject to programme conditions.
A key strength is the airline’s role in linking Gaborone and Johannesburg with Maun and Kasane, reducing the need for lengthy overland journeys to Botswana’s principal safari regions. Its relatively compact operation can provide fewer alternatives when weather, maintenance or schedule changes cause disruption. Travellers connecting to safari charters or separately ticketed international flights should therefore allow generous transfer time and monitor updates before departure.
Good to know
Flying with Air Botswana — what to expect
Safari Gateway Access
Maun and Kasane are important gateways for the Okavango Delta and Chobe region. Allow generous time when connecting to a separately booked charter flight or lodge transfer.
Check Flight Updates
A relatively compact operation can offer limited recovery options during disruptions. Reconfirm departure times and connection details before travelling.
Regional Aircraft Cabins
Air Botswana uses regional aircraft suited to short and medium-length services. Cabin space may be limited, so larger carry-on items can sometimes require checking at the gate.
Baggage Rules Vary
Baggage allowances can depend on the fare, route and aircraft. Review the conditions attached to the ticket rather than assuming the same allowance applies throughout a multi-airline itinerary.
Teemane Club Miles
Teemane Club members can earn miles on eligible Air Botswana-operated flights. Tier-specific baggage, priority and lounge benefits should be confirmed before departure.
Network overview
Where Air Botswana flies
Air Botswana operates 23 routes to 7 destinations across 4 countries, its longest sector reaching Gaborone to Nairobi (2,842 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Air Botswana flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Gaborone → Nairobi
2,842 km · GBE → NBO
The longest sector in the Air Botswana network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air Botswana
Notable destinations on Air Botswana's network.
BPGaboronedirectBPJohannesburgdirectBPKasanedirectBPMaundirectBPFrancistowndirectBPNairobidirectBPLusakadirectDestination list is indicative of Air Botswana's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
FAQ
Air Botswana — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Air Botswana serves exactly seven destinations across four countries. It operates 23 routes within that network.
- Air Botswana serves Gaborone, Johannesburg, Kasane, Maun, Francistown, Nairobi and Lusaka. Its network combines domestic links with regional services across Southern and East Africa.
- Lower fares are generally more likely when booking early and avoiding peak safari periods, major holidays and heavily travelled weekend dates. Comparing flexible travel dates can help identify cheaper departures.
- The busiest departure points for Air Botswana are Gaborone, Johannesburg, Kasane, Maun and Francistown, in that order by number of routes. Gaborone is the airline’s main hub.
- Air Botswana’s primary hub is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone. Johannesburg, Kasane, Maun and Francistown are also among its busiest departure points.
- Carry-on limits can depend on the fare and operating aircraft, and regional-aircraft cabins may have restricted storage space. Travellers should check the current allowance shown on their booking or Air Botswana’s official website.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Air Botswana’s longest route is the nonstop service from Gaborone to Nairobi, covering about 2,842 km.