BUQ - Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
IATA Code: BUQ · Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The airport code BUQ is the IATA identifier for Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport. You may also find it referred to as Bulawayo Airport (BUQ).
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) serves Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in the Africa fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
BUQ is the IATA airport code for Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The airport is situated at coordinates 20.0174°S, 28.6179°E. The current jet fuel price in the Africa region is $5.56/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (Africa)
$5.56/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- BUQ
- City
- Bulawayo
- Country
- Zimbabwe
- Timezone
- Africa/Harare
- Latitude
- -20.0174°
- Longitude
- 28.6179°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Africa
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from BUQ
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWE - Gwert | 145 km | $2,257 | $5/passenger |
| FRW - Francistown | 174 km | $2,709 | $5/passenger |
| HWN - Hwange National Park | 228 km | $3,550 | $7/passenger |
| MVZ - Masvingo | 234 km | $3,643 | $7/passenger |
| PKW - Selebi-phikwe | 241 km | $3,752 | $8/passenger |
| TLD - Tuli Lodge | 247 km | $3,845 | $8/passenger |
| SXN - Sowa | 268 km | $4,172 | $8/passenger |
| WKI - Hwange | 287 km | $4,468 | $9/passenger |
| ADY - Alldays | 299 km | $4,655 | $9/passenger |
| BFO - Chiredzi | 327 km | $5,091 | $10/passenger |
| HRE - Harare | 349 km | $5,433 | $11/passenger |
| BZH - Bumi Hills | 357 km | $5,558 | $11/passenger |
| VFA - Victoria Falls | 362 km | $5,636 | $11/passenger |
| ORP - Orapa | 371 km | $5,776 | $12/passenger |
| LVI - Livingstone | 382 km | $5,947 | $12/passenger |
| KAB - Kariba | 390 km | $6,072 | $12/passenger |
| PTG - Potgietersrus | 434 km | $6,757 | $14/passenger |
| UTA - Mutare | 435 km | $6,772 | $14/passenger |
| BBK - Kasane | 437 km | $6,803 | $14/passenger |
| LTA - Tzaneen | 459 km | $7,146 | $14/passenger |
| PHW - Phalaborwa | 508 km | $7,909 | $16/passenger |
| VPY - Chimoio | 513 km | $7,986 | $16/passenger |
| KHW - Khwai River | 516 km | $8,033 | $16/passenger |
| LUN - Lusaka | 521 km | $8,111 | $16/passenger |
| MPA - Mpacha | 537 km | $8,360 | $17/passenger |
| MUB - Maun | 542 km | $8,438 | $17/passenger |
| HDS - Hoedspruit | 545 km | $8,485 | $17/passenger |
| GBE - Gaberone | 576 km | $8,967 | $18/passenger |
| ASS - Arathusa | 604 km | $9,403 | $19/passenger |
| NTY - Pilanesberg | 609 km | $9,481 | $19/passenger |
| AAM - Malamala | 613 km | $9,543 | $19/passenger |
| PRY - Pretoria | 628 km | $9,777 | $20/passenger |
| SZK - Skukuza | 629 km | $9,792 | $20/passenger |
| WKF - Waterkloof | 648 km | $10,088 | $20/passenger |
| MQP - Mpumalanga | 649 km | $10,104 | $20/passenger |
| JWA - Jwaneng | 650 km | $10,119 | $20/passenger |
| NLP - Nelspruit | 653 km | $10,166 | $20/passenger |
| BEW - Beira | 658 km | $10,244 | $20/passenger |
| HLA - Johannesburg | 662 km | $10,306 | $21/passenger |
| GCJ - Johannesburg | 666 km | $10,368 | $21/passenger |
| LLE - Malalane | 674 km | $10,493 | $21/passenger |
| JNB - Johannesburg | 682 km | $10,617 | $21/passenger |
| TET - Tete | 686 km | $10,680 | $21/passenger |
| QRA - Johannesburg | 694 km | $10,804 | $22/passenger |
| MBD - Mafeking | 716 km | $11,147 | $22/passenger |
| ZEC - Secunda | 726 km | $11,302 | $23/passenger |
| VNX - Vilankulu | 730 km | $11,365 | $23/passenger |
| SWX - Shakawe | 736 km | $11,458 | $23/passenger |
| GNZ - Ghanzi | 747 km | $11,629 | $23/passenger |
| PCF - Potchefstroom | 756 km | $11,769 | $24/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your BUQ Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the Africa region has jet fuel priced at $5.56/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from BUQ
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Bulawayo
Bulawayo has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Travelers should expect humidity and potential monsoon or rainy seasons depending on the time of year. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, and staying hydrated is essential when navigating the airport and surrounding area.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through BUQ
BUQ operates within the African fuel pricing region. Aviation infrastructure across Africa has seen significant investment in recent years, with many airports modernizing facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Travelers should verify visa requirements, vaccination certificates (particularly yellow fever), and currency exchange options before arrival.
Planning Your Trip via BUQ
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from BUQ
- Fuel impact awareness: The Africa region currently prices jet fuel at $5.56/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to BUQ are GWE, FRW, HWN — consider these for potentially lower fares