Eswatini’s aviation sector is essential to providing vital connectivity within the Southern African region. Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini’s unique position as a landlocked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique necessitates a robust aviation sector to link it economically and culturally with neighboring countries and the rest of the world, which is pivotal for the country’s integration into the regional economy.

The primary gateway to the country is King Mswati III International Airport, located near the town of Manzini. It has a CAT-1 runway equipped with ILS to enable large aircraft to land here. This has been done with an eye on increasing accessibility and thereby boosting tourism. The flag carrier of Eswatini, Eswatini Air, is based here and operates services to various destinations in South Africa, while South African Airways-owned Airlink also flies here.

These routes are important not only for passenger traffic but also for the transport of goods, playing a significant role in Eswatini’s trade and economic activities. The aviation sector in Eswatini is supported by several government initiatives aimed at enhancing air transport, such as improving aviation infrastructure, ensuring compliance with international safety standards, and fostering partnerships with airlines to further expand service offerings. Increased regional integration within Southern Africa could open new routes to increase passenger and cargo traffic.

While the small size of the market makes it difficult to attract large-scale investments in airline operations or infrastructure, the government sees the aviation industry as integral to its tourism strategy, aiming to attract more visitors to Eswatini’s cultural festivals and natural reserves. There exists the potential for Eswatini to enhance its status as a niche tourism destination, driving demand for air travel. Collaboration with larger airlines to offer connections through major hubs like Johannesburg is key to enhancing Eswatini’s connectivity with the world.