Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve Victoria Falls Reporter
THE nation’s aviation sector continues to grow, with significant increases in passenger numbers, route expansions and the arrival of next-generation aircraft signalling a recovery and a confident future.
This upbeat assessment was revealed by Mr Tawanda Gusha, Chief Executive of the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), who said the sector is firmly on an upward trajectory.
Mr Gusha provided data underscoring the sector’s momentum.
“We have been seeing growth in our business, both in passenger numbers as well as in aircraft movements. When you look at the 2024 to 2025 numbers, we experienced a 10 percent growth in passenger numbers in 2025 compared to 2024. We also experienced a 5 percent growth in aircraft movements, which is quite significant for us and we are excited about that,” he said.
This growth is being driven by a cocktail of developments involving both international and regional carriers.
A major highlight has been the confidence shown by continental giant Ethiopian Airlines.
The airline not only flies into three Zimbabwean airports — Robert Gabriel Mugabe International, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo and Victoria Falls — but has also deployed its newest aircraft in the country.
“The moment they procured their newest aircraft on their fleet, we saw that aircraft, the Airbus A350-900, coming in, flying into Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,” Mr Gusha said.
He further emphasised the airport’s readiness for even larger aircraft.
“This airport (Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport) is capable of handling the largest passenger aircraft in operation currently, which is the Airbus A380. So the capacity is still there. We still call on the airlines to bring in even more and bigger planes,” he said.
The regional network is also expanding dynamically.
National carrier Air Zimbabwe has launched flights between Harare and Bulawayo, and to Grand Reef in Mutare.
Low-cost airline Fastjet has added a new link between Malawi and the premier tourist destination of Victoria Falls, with plans for more.
“Fastjet has plans to launch new routes as the year progresses, which will be announced in due course,” Mr Gusha said.
Increased frequencies on existing routes across key airports in Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo compound the positive picture.
Commercial performance has been exceptionally strong, with Ethiopian Airlines and others recording record passenger numbers, with very promising load factors that have been in the 90s throughout the period.
Mr Gusha attributed this success to collaborative efforts and the growing global appeal of Zimbabwe as a destination.
“We are continuing to work to ensure that we continue on that growth trajectory going into the future,” he affirmed.
The aviation sector is not just recovering; it is accelerating, connecting the nation more robustly and providing a thrust to economic and tourism prospects.
