About BP
BP is Air Botswana, the national carrier of Botswana and a classic African regional airline built around connecting a landlocked country to its neighbors. This isn't a low-cost operation or a legacy giant — it sits in that practical middle ground: a state-backed regional carrier focused on keeping Botswana connected. The network tells you everything. Twenty routes across 8 airports, with GBE in Gaborone anchoring 7 of them. The total network spans 13,622 km, which sounds big until you realize it's almost entirely Southern Africa. That's not a criticism — it's exactly what this airline is designed to do.
Why fly BP?
The honest answer is geography. If you're traveling between Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa without wanting to backtrack through Johannesburg on a larger carrier, BP fills gaps that bigger airlines simply ignore. Thirteen of their 20 routes touch Botswana directly, so if GBE or MUB is anywhere near your itinerary, this airline deserves a serious look. The CPT-GBE route at 1,264 km is their longest — Cape Town to Gaborone — and it's genuinely useful for safari travelers routing through Botswana after a South Africa leg. You're not flying BP for loyalty points or premium lounges. You're flying it because it goes where you need to go, on a schedule that actually works for the region.
BP hub airports
- GBE Gaborone — 7 BP routes from Botswana
- MUB Maun — 3 BP routes from Botswana
- LUN Lusaka — 2 BP routes from Zambia
- HRE Harare — 2 BP routes from Zimbabwe
- BBK Kasane — 2 BP routes from Botswana
Top destination countries on BP
- Botswana — 13 BP routes
- South Africa — 3 BP routes
- Zimbabwe — 2 BP routes
- Zambia — 2 BP routes
Tips for booking BP
Book directly through Air Botswana's site and compare against regional aggregators — pricing can vary more than you'd expect on thin routes like HRE or LUN, where flights are infrequent enough that demand spikes fast. MUB in Maun is a key hub if you're heading into the Okavango Delta, but those 3 routes out of there book up during peak safari season, so don't leave it late. Checked baggage allowances on short regional hops can be stricter than you'd assume, so confirm before you pack camera gear or safari luggage. BP isn't in a major global alliance, so don't count on earning meaningful miles through a partner program.
Frequently asked questions about BP
Where does BP fly?
BP operates 20 routes primarily serving southern Africa, with a strong focus on Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The airline connects major cities and regional destinations across this region.
What is BP's main hub?
BP's main hub is Gaborone (GBE), located in Botswana, which serves as the airline's primary operations center for flights throughout the region.
What type of airline is BP?
BP operates as a regional carrier, focusing on connecting cities within southern Africa with a modest network of 20 routes serving the Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe markets.
When should I book flights with BP?
For the best fares on BP, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is typically recommended, though regional routes may have different pricing patterns. Checking directly with BP or regional travel agents can help you find competitive fares.
What are BP's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route; we recommend checking BP's official website or contacting the airline directly for specific details about your booking. Standard check-in is typically available 2-3 hours before departure for regional flights.