Airports tell passengers to arrive three hours early as security is tightened

LUSAKA. Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has told passengers to expect longer screening at the country's airports. In a media release on Friday 9 October, ZACL said enhanced security measures are in place at airports. Diggers names Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs and Communication Mwamba Chasaya as the source. ZACL said the measures are needed to safeguard passengers, airport users, staff and operations. It apologised for delays. It asked international passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure and domestic passengers at least two hours before. The statement gives a general safety reason only. It does not say what prompted the change, which airports are affected, when it began or how long it will last. Zed Gossip lists ZACL's four international airports: Kenneth Kaunda (Lusaka), Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe (Ndola), Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula (Livingstone) and Mfuwe. That is background, not part of the statement. News Diggers (11 October) and Zed Gossip carried the same release. We found no independent reporting that adds to it. **Why it matters.** Passengers who stick to the old habit of arriving an hour early risk missing flights. Businesses that depend on air freight and travel need to know whether this is temporary. No reason was given, so travellers cannot judge how long it will last. **Verification notes.** This rests on one ZACL statement, repeated by two outlets. **Open questions.** What triggered the change? Does it cover all airports or only some? Is there a review date? **Sources:** ZACL statement, 9 October; News Diggers; Zed Gossip.