Kariba International Airport

FVKB / KAB

Kariba, ZW

Last Updated
Mar 3, 15:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 12 hours ago
15:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
34°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 22°C
5 kt
40°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1007 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FVKB 031500Z 04005KT 9999 FEW030CB FEW035TCU 34/22 Q1007 NOSIG

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 1,706 ft
FEW 3,000 ft AGL (CB)
FEW 3,500 ft AGL (TCU)
🌤️
FEW (CB)
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
3,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,706 ft AMSL
🌤️
FEW (TCU)
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
3,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
5,206 ft AMSL
QNH
1007 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
950 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,706 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,894 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 4,583 ft (High - Reduced Performance)
ISA Deviation: +22.4°C

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
VKB
09 ✈️
27

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 09/27
Active: 09
5,413 ft 59 ft ASP 82°
3.2 kt 3.8 kt
50° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - FVKB

619 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
89.3%
MVFR
9.5%
IFR
1%
LIFR
0.2%

Kariba International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 89.3% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 5.3 knots. Temperatures typically range between 21°C and 41°C with an average of 30.1°C. The best months for VFR flying are January, March, February.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 5.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 21 kt
Calm Winds: 2.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
9.4%
NE
16.5%
E
21.3%
SE
6.6%
S
3.1%
SW
21.9%
W
14.7%
NW
3.6%

Temperature Range

Average: 30.1°C
Range: 21°C to 41°C
21°C 41°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

January March February

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 09/27
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.6 kt

Statistics computed from 619 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Kariba International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FVKB
IATA Code: KAB
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,706 ft MSL

Location

City: Kariba
Country: ZW
Latitude: -16.519800°
Longitude: 28.885000°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 09/27
Length: 5,413 ft
Width: 59 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Kariba International Airport

Overview

Kariba International Airport serves the region around Kariba, Zimbabwe, situated at an elevation of 1706 feet above mean sea level. The airport features a single asphalt runway (09/27) measuring 5,413 feet, accommodating medium-sized aircraft operations in this lakeside location.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Kariba are predominantly VFR, with 87.1% of observations showing favorable visual flight conditions. Winds typically blow from the southwest (225°) at an average of 5.7 knots, with maximum gusts reaching 21 knots. Temperature variations are significant, ranging from 21°C to 41°C, with an average of 30.6°C.

Notable Features

The airport's geographic positioning near Lake Kariba introduces potential microclimate effects for pilots to consider. Terrain surrounding the airport may create localized wind patterns, though the statistical data suggests relatively stable wind conditions with only 0.8% calm periods. The consistent wind direction provides predictable approach and departure conditions.

Approach Considerations

Runway 09/27 offers favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and a modest average crosswind of 2.8 knots. Pilots can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 10 statute miles and no reported instances of fog or significant visibility restrictions. The best VFR months are January, December, and November, offering optimal flying 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

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

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.