Matsapha International Airport (FDMS)
Medium airport · Manzini, Manzini Region, Eswatini
Airport data
| Name | Matsapha International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | FDMS |
| IATA | MTS |
| Elevation | 2,075 ft (632 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | S 26°31'44" E 31°18'27" -26.52892, 31.30758 |
| Location | Manzini, Manzini Region, Eswatini |
| Scheduled service | No |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/25 | 8,530 ft (2600 m) | 148 ft | ASP | Yes |
Matsapha International Airport at a glance
Matsapha International Airport is a medium airport in Manzini, Manzini Region, Eswatini, known to airline systems as MTS. The field elevation of 2,075 ft (632 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at FDMS are all figured from it. There is no scheduled airline service listed here — typical traffic is general aviation, training and local operations.
The single runway, 07/25, offers 8,530 ft (2600 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 07 points roughly 70° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for FDMS shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Matsapha International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| King Mswati III International Airport | FDSK | 45 km (24 NM) |
| Barberton Airport | FABR | 96 km (52 NM) |
| Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport | FAKN | 129 km (70 NM) |
| Ermelo Airport | FAEO | 132 km (71 NM) |
| Mkuze Airport | FAMU | 142 km (77 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Matsapha International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 2,075 ft field elevation of Matsapha International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 2 airports and airfields we list for Eswatini — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Matsapha International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Matsapha International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Matsapha International Airport is FDMS, and its IATA code is MTS. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Matsapha International Airport above sea level?
Matsapha International Airport sits at an elevation of 2,075 feet (632 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Matsapha International Airport located?
The airport lies at -26.5289, 31.3076 — in Manzini, Manzini Region, Eswatini, in the southern hemisphere. The closest listed field is King Mswati III International Airport, about 45 km away.
Does FDMS publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for FDMS appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Matsapha International Airport?
Matsapha International Airport has one runway. The longest, 07/25, measures 8,530 ft (2600 m) with a ASP surface.