Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport

FVBU / BUQ

Bulawayo, ZW

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Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FVBU
IATA Code: BUQ
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 4,359 ft MSL

Location

City: Bulawayo
Country: ZW
Latitude: -20.021254°
Longitude: 28.626296°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 02/20
Length: 4,419 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 13/31
Length: 8,491 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

Nearby Airports

VFR MVFR IFR LIFR No Data

About Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport

Overview

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport serves Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, as a critical medium-sized regional airport. Located at coordinates -20.021254, 28.626296, the airport provides essential aviation infrastructure for southwestern Zimbabwe, operating at a significant elevation of 4359 ft above mean sea level.

Flying Conditions

The airport's high elevation at 4359 ft MSL means pilots should anticipate reduced aircraft performance and be prepared for potential density altitude challenges. Bulawayo's semi-arid climate typically presents stable atmospheric conditions, but pilots should review current meteorological reports for specific day-of-flight weather variations.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: a shorter 4419 ft runway (02/20) and a substantial 8491 ft runway (13/31), providing flexible operational capabilities. Its geographic position in southwestern Zimbabwe suggests potential crosswind and terrain-influenced wind patterns that pilots should carefully evaluate during pre-flight planning.

Approach Considerations

Runway 13/31, being the longer and wider runway at 8491 ft, likely represents the primary operational runway for most aircraft types. Given the airport's elevation and potential regional wind patterns, pilots should conduct thorough pre-approach wind assessments and be prepared to utilize either runway based on current meteorological conditions.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.