Airports expansion projects boost capacity

COMPLETED, planned and ongoing expansion projects of the country’s airports will boost passenger handling capacity to 9,2 million annually, from 5,5 million currently, according to the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ).

Extended handling capacity will give impetus to Zimbabwe’s efforts to rebuild its tourism industry, which suffered the hardest knocks when Covid-19 pandemic curbs paralysed global economies in 2020 and 2021.

Bigger airports would also be crucial in facilitating regional trade as the African Continental Free Trade Area gains momentum, unlocking opportunities into a US$3,4 trillion regional market.

Government injected about US$153 million to rebuild the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport facility, the third such undertaking following similar projects at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls International Airport. e new facility was commissioned on July 14 2023. e project, which was led by China Jiangsu International and supported by the Export-import Bank of China, aims to upgrade and modernise the airport's infrastructure, therefore boosting its capacity and establishing it as a significant transportation centre in the area.

Now that the airport has been modernised, it can provide travellers a top-notch travel experience and help the nation's economy thrive.

A number of essential components were included in the extensive enlargement project, which got under way in 2018. e construction of a cutting edge international terminal building and aprons, intended to accommodate the increasing number of passengers, was the main focus of the development.

e airport will be able to accommodate six million passengers a year as a result of this development, up from its previous capacity of 2,5 million.

Four new bridges, which improve connectivity and accessibility at the airport, are among the additional enhancements made. A secondary radar system was also put into place to improve air traffic control capabilities, ensuring the security and effectiveness of aviation operations.

To further enhance the prominence of the airport, a VVIP pavilion was added to serve the requirements of illustrious visitors.

e enlargement project included the construction of a cutting-edge airfield ground lighting and communication system, which further promotes safe and effective aircraft operations, in addition to infrastructural improvements.

ACZ also plans to add a further 200 000 capacity through the expansion of Charles Prince Airport in Harare.

Before current projects got underway, Zimbabwe had expanded the Victoria Falls Airport at a cost of US$150 million in 2016, extending its capacity to 1,5 million passengers per year, from about 500 000.

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) director-general Elijah Chingosho recently said air passenger numbers into Zimbabwe’s airports would rise above pre-pandemic levels this year, as traffic improves in the aftermath of hard lockdowns globally. He said the number of international and local airlines servicing Zimbabwean destinations will rise by 80% compared to 2019, when the carriers moved 1,5 million people.

is represents growth of almost three million passengers this year, a big positive trajectory for an industry that was battered by pandemic curbs at the height of the Covid-19 scourge between 2020 and 2021.

Airlines carried 430 000 and 740 000 respectively during the two years, according to CAAZ data. e CAAZ boss said Zimbabwe’s performance was expected to better the African averages this year. However, across the continent, the outlook would be positive, he said.

“Africa’s passenger traffic prospects are somewhat weaker in the near-term due to slow progress in vaccinating the population, and the impact of the crisis on developing economies,” Chingosho said.

According to the International Air Transport Association, African passenger numbers are expected to recover more gradually than in other regions, reaching 76% of 2019 levels in 2022 and surpassing pre-crisis levels only in 2025.

“Zimbabwe aviation industry prospects for recovery remain very high above regional average. Zimbabwe passenger traffic is expected to reach over 80% of 2019 levels by year-end, 2022, making the future bright,” Chingosho said.

“Rising demand for air travel following removal of Covid-19 travel restrictions by several States will drive traffic.

“ e coming in of new airlines into the Zimbabwean market (including) Qatar Airways, Eurowings Discover, Eswatini Air, Kuva Air operated by Executive Air and the return of Air Botswana will increase passenger numbers,” he noted, adding that several airlines had increased frequencies on domestic routes.

Chingosho further stated that: “ e aviation industry is poised to grow just as the global aviation industry is growing as we position ourselves according to the dictates of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. is drive puts the industry at par with other players.”

ACZ has under its stewardship around 10 airports. e busiest ones are the RGM International Airport in Harare, Victoria Falls International Airport and JMN International Airport in Bulawayo.

Some of the airports include Buffalo Range Airport, Centenary Airport, Charles Prince Airport, Hwange National Park Airport, Hwange Town Airport, Kariba Airport and Masvingo Airport.