Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Airports Company of Zimbabwe is actively pursuing Public Private Partnerships for the construction and upgrading of major airports, among other related projects countrywide as part of a broader strategy to develop an aviation network that supports tourism and economic growth.
Some of these projects include the expansion of Charles Prince Airport; Mutasa Airport construction; while the Kariba Airport, Buffalo Range runway; Binga aerodrome; Hwange Airport and Masvingo Airport are all set for upgrade.
Plans are also underway to construct a Cargo Village at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as well as the uplifting of a catering facility at the airport.
Further developments at the Airport will see the establishment of a new Cargo Village and the enhancement of its catering facilities.
The Cargo Village, a Build‑Operate‑Transfer (BOT) initiative by ACZ and private partners to develop a modern cargo hub with warehousing, cold‑chain facilities, and logistics infrastructure, is aimed at boosting agro‑exports and trade efficiency. Plans are also underway to establish solar farms for all international airports as well as fire tenders.
So far Victoria Falls International Airport is powered by a new solar plant that meets 60 percent of its energy needs.
In an interview, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said ACZ plays a pivotal role in enhancing the tourism industry, which is a cornerstone of the economy.
“By improving airport infrastructure and services, ACZ is making Zimbabwe an attractive destination for both international and domestic travellers. The company’s commitment to modernising our airports has significantly enhanced the travel experience, making it easier for tourists to explore the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife that Zimbabwe has to offer,” he said.
He said the ministry also endorses the recommendation by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development to allocate US$5 million to ACZ for infrastructure development in 2026 financial year.
Minister Mhona said this funding will support critical upgrades and expansion across key airport facilities.
In September, the Government allocated 300 hectares of land for the expansion of Charles Prince Airport, paving the way for its transformation into an international airport that will service the proposed new city in Mount Hampden.
Located just outside Harare, Charles Prince Airport, which sits on 171ha of land, is currently used mainly for light aircraft and flying academies.
Under the new plan, it will be upgraded to international standards, comparable to those at Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport.
RGM International Airport was expanded in 2023 by China Jiangsu International, boosting its annual passenger handling capacity from 2,5 million to 6 million and positioning it as a major regional aviation hub.
The same company has been tasked with carrying out the Charles Prince Airport upgrade, following negotiations with Chinese contractors last year.
In Mutare, feasibility studies for the new airport, to be constructed in Mutasa South District have also been completed.
This initiative came in response to persistent calls from the travelling and business community, as well as local tourism stakeholders who have long advocated for enhanced air transport infrastructure in the province.
Early last year, a site where there is enough flat land was scouted in Mutasa District, which was identified as a suitable location for the proposed new modern airport.
Peter Tanyanyiwa