Online Reporter
Senior Reporter
EMIRATES and Qatar Airways have resumed normal flights to Zimbabwe after disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, in a development the Government says reflects continued recovery and growth of the country’s aviation sector.
The two Gulf carriers had scaled back operations as the conflict affected air travel across the region, disrupting flight schedules and reducing passenger traffic through key Gulf hubs.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the resumption of flights was among several milestones that have strengthened Zimbabwe’s position as a regional aviation hub.
Traffic volumes at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport have continued to increase, contributing to more than three million passengers being handled across the country’s airports.
“This growth is a testament to our collective efforts to enhance the movement of people and goods, both into and out of our country,” he said.
“Nationally, our airports have facilitated the movement of over three million passengers — a clear indicator of growing confidence in our aviation infrastructure and services. While the geo-political skirmishes in the Gulf have affected and reduced movement and landing and taking off of some of our trusted operators from the Gulf such as Emirates and Qatar, we are thrilled that the two airlines have resumed operating normally.”
Minister Mhona also highlighted progress at the Victoria Falls International Airport, where a solar power generation project is now supplying 60 percent of the airport’s electricity requirements.
“This initiative not only reduces our carbon footprint but also aligns with our national commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience,” he said.
“These achievements underscore the Government’s unwavering commitment to modernising our aviation sector, enhancing service delivery and positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player in regional and global air transport networks. I applaud aviation and airport operators such as the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), Air Zimbabwe and the National Handling Services (NHS) for working hand-in-glove with our aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), in achieving these milestones.”
Minister Mhona said the Government’s broader infrastructure development programme continues to drive inclusive economic growth by improving transport connectivity and facilitating trade and tourism.
“Infrastructure development is not merely about the construction of roads, bridges and terminals, but about laying the very foundation upon which inclusive socio-economic growth is built. It is about connecting people to opportunities, markets to producers and our nation to the global economy.
“The transport sector, in particular, has played a pivotal role in advancing our national objectives of job creation and poverty alleviation. The expansion and rehabilitation of our road networks have significantly improved rural connectivity, reducing transport costs for farmers and traders, and enhancing access to essential services.”
