Cheap Flights to Kimberley Airport (KIM)

Kimberley Airport (IATA: KIM, ICAO: FAKM) is the primary airport serving Kimberley — capital of the Northern Cape province and the diamond capital of the world. Operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the airport is located approximately 6 kilometres south of the Kimberley city centre and handles around 170,000 passengers and 7,400 flights per year, with the majority of travellers flying for business purposes.

The airport has a long and distinguished aviation history. Established in the early decades of the 20th century, Kimberley Airport was rated in 1930 as having the best night-time landing facilities in Africa — a remarkable distinction for a regional airport. During World War II, it served as a base for fighter pilot training by the Union Defence Force before returning to civilian use. In 2016, Kimberley Airport became ACSA’s second solar-powered airport, following George Airport, with a 500 kW peak solar plant powering the terminal and operations. The airport sits at an elevation of 1,204 metres (3,950 feet) above sea level and has two 3 km asphalt runways.

Beyond passenger services, Kimberley Airport handles a distinctive range of cargo including game trophies, industrial equipment, and livestock — reflecting the Northern Cape’s unique economy.

Kimberley itself is one of South Africa’s most historically compelling cities. The Big Hole — the largest hand-excavated crater in the world at 214 metres deep with a 1.6 km perimeter — was created during the diamond rush that began in 1871 when diamonds were discovered on Colesberg Kopje. By the time mining ended in 1914, 2,722 kg of diamonds had been extracted from 22.5 million tons of earth. The adjacent Kimberley Mine Museum recreates the Victorian-era town in extraordinary detail. Kimberley also holds the distinction of being the first city in Africa to have electric streetlights, and is home to the country’s only remaining operational diamond-era tram system. Nearby Kamfers Dam is one of Africa’s few breeding sites for the Lesser Flamingo, with tens of thousands of birds visible in season.

Kimberley Airport offers a modest but practical selection of amenities within its terminal, suited to the airport’s primarily business-traveller profile.

Food and drink at Kimberley Airport: A pub is located in the arrivals terminal, offering a comfortable spot to unwind after a flight or wait for an arriving passenger. Additional food options are available in the departures area.

Services at Kimberley Airport include: ATMs in the main terminal building, a conference room, chapel and prayer rooms, Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, porter services, and restrooms. Ramps and elevators ensure the airport is fully accessible for passengers with disabilities.

For a broader shopping experience, Kimberley’s city centre — approximately 6 km from the airport — offers a full range of retail, including the historic Diamond Pavilion shopping centre and various diamond dealers offering certified Northern Cape stones.

Kimberley Airport offers a practical range of facilities for a regional airport, with a calm and uncongested passenger environment that makes it one of the more relaxed airports in the ACSA network.

Lounge at Kimberley Airport:

• VIP Lounge — available at Kimberley Airport for qualifying passengers. For booking and access information, contact the airport information desk on 27 (0)53 830 7101.

General facilities at Kimberley Airport include:

• ATMs in the main terminal building
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Chapel and prayer rooms
• Conference room
• Ramps and elevators for passengers with disabilities
• Porter services
• Restrooms
• Car rental desks

The airport’s 500 kW solar plant — installed in May 2016 as part of ACSA’s commitment to renewable energy — powers the terminal’s operations, making Kimberley one of the greenest airports in the country.

Accommodation near Kimberley Airport is well-suited to business travellers and those visiting the historic diamond fields of the Northern Cape.

Diggies Lodge

This charming 3.5-star motel is a 5-minute drive from Kimberley Airport, offering a relaxed, garden setting with a nod to the city’s mining heritage. Amenities include an outdoor pool, well-tended garden, laundry service, and barbecue grills. Free full breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking are all included.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kimberley

This inviting 4-star hotel is a 10-minute drive from Kimberley Airport and is one of the most comfortable options in the city for business travellers. Amenities include breakfast, a conference centre, 24-hour front desk, computer station, laundry service, a restaurant, and a bar and lounge. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are included.

Aletheim Guest House Collection

This quaint 4-star guesthouse collection is a 5-minute drive from Kimberley Airport, offering a more intimate and personalised alternative to a chain hotel. Amenities include an airport shuttle, air conditioning, ATM/banking services, self-serve laundry, breakfast, and multilingual staff. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are included.

There are no foreign exchange facilities at Kimberley Airport itself. The nearest options are available in the Kimberley city centre, approximately 10–15 minutes’ drive from the airport:

• Nedbank Kimberley
• Standard Bank Kimberley

Both branches offer foreign exchange services. In South Africa, foreign currency can generally be purchased up to 60 days before your departure date.

The following documents are required to purchase foreign exchange:

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight tickets and accommodation bookings)
• Original ID document or temporary resident permit
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old)

ATMs from major South African banks are available in the main terminal building at Kimberley Airport for cash withdrawals in South African Rand.

Kimberley Airport offers a range of parking options to suit both short and long-term stays, all within easy walking distance of the terminal.

Parking options at Kimberley Airport include:

• Open-air parking bays
• Shaded parking
• Lock-up garages for long-term stays

Given Kimberley Airport’s compact size and relatively low passenger volumes, parking is generally straightforward and readily available — even during peak travel periods.