Background & Establishment

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) is a statutory corporation responsible for overseeing and regulating all aspects of civil aviation in Botswana. It was formally established under the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2004 and began operating independently on 1 April 2009. Later, its legal framework was updated under the Civil Aviation Act of 2011. Prior to CAAB, civil aviation functions were managed by the Department of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Mandate & Functions

CAAB’s responsibilities include:

Regulating air transport and ensuring aviation safety and security.

Providing air navigation services such as air traffic control, communication systems, and navigation aids.

Managing and operating Botswana’s major airports.

Certifying and licensing aviation professionals and organizations, including pilots, engineers, operators, and maintenance facilities.

Registering aircraft and issuing aeronautical information like NOTAMs.

Coordinating aviation search and rescue operations within Botswana’s jurisdiction.

Advising government on aviation policies, infrastructure development, and strategy.

Operating on sound financial principles, aiming for revenue to cover operational costs.

Structure & Governance

CAAB is governed by a Board, while day-to-day operations are led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO is appointed for a term of up to five years and is accountable to the Board. Supporting the CEO are directors responsible for specialized departments such as Aviation Safety and Air Navigation Services. A Board Secretary and other staff positions are also established under the authority’s governing framework.

Key Airports

CAAB manages and oversees several strategic airports in Botswana, including:

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone) – the main international gateway.

Maun International Airport – critical for tourism, especially for access to the Okavango Delta.

Kasane International Airport – serves the Chobe region, a key tourism and wildlife area.

Recent Initiatives

In recent years, CAAB has been working on digital transformation projects to improve efficiency, reduce reliance on paper processes, and enhance turnaround times. It also plays a central role in the national “Botswana Air Access” initiative, which seeks to expand the country’s regional and international air connectivity to support tourism, trade, and investment.