Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport

FLSK / NLA

Ndola, ZM

Last Updated
Mar 21, 06:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 784 hours ago
06:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
20°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 19°C
6 kt
60°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FLSK 210600Z 06006KT CAVOK 20/19 Q1018

Weather Briefing

VFR

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies. Note: This observation is 783.8 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-northeast (60°) at 6 knots. Runway 09/27 is favored with a 5-knot headwind and 3-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 20°C (68°F) with a dewpoint of 19°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Smoke.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FLSK 221600Z 2218/2324 VRB03KT CAVOK BECMG 2304/2306 09008KT 4000 FU NSC BECMG 2308/2310 SCT040TCU FM231800 VRB03KT CAVOK
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
21:49Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >10km
04:00Z BECMG
+7h
IFR 90° 8 kt
Visibility: 4 km
Smoke
08:00Z BECMG
+11h
MVFR

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
Chart Features
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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
LSK
09 ✈️
27

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 09/27
Active: 09
11,483 ft 148 ft ASP
5.2 kt 3.0 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FLSK
IATA Code: NLA
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 4,308 ft MSL

Location

City: Ndola
Country: ZM
Latitude: -12.961667°
Longitude: 28.516667°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 09/27
Length: 11,483 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport

Overview

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport serves Ndola, Zambia as a medium-sized international airport. Located at coordinates -12.961667, 28.516667, the airport provides critical aviation infrastructure for the Copperbelt region. Its significant elevation of 4308 ft MSL positions it as a notable high-altitude airport in central Zambia.

Flying Conditions

The airport's high elevation at 4308 ft MSL will impact aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff and landing operations. Pilots should anticipate potential density altitude challenges, especially during warmer periods which can substantially reduce aircraft lift capabilities. The geographical location suggests potential for variable weather conditions typical of the southern African plateau region.

Notable Features

The single runway 09/27 measures an extensive 11,483 feet in length, constructed with asphalt surface (ASP). This substantial runway length provides flexibility for various aircraft types, including larger international and regional commercial aircraft. The airport's geographic positioning in Ndola offers strategic connectivity within Zambia's transportation network.

Approach Considerations

Runway 09/27's orientation suggests potential wind interaction from east-west directions. Pilots should conduct standard terrain and wind assessments during approach, considering the airport's elevated terrain. The extensive runway length of 11,483 feet provides significant margin for safe operations across diverse aircraft categories.

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.