Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve and Freeman Razemba, Zimpapers Writers
MAJOR rehabilitation and upgrading works are being undertaken in some of the country’s premier airports, including the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, with extensive work on the terminal building already underway.
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) is reportedly undertaking the upgrades as part of a broader modernisation programme targeting several airports across the country.
At the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, upgrades are taking place at the terminal building to improve passenger flow, comfort and security, making the facility more efficient and aligned with international standards.
The project also includes the rehabilitation of the runway to guarantee the safe and smooth operation of aircraft.
Other critical areas that are being attended to include the construction of a stronger storm water drainage system to protect airport infrastructure from flooding, as well as the enhancement of the airport fire station to significantly strengthen emergency response capabilities. Recently, the ACZ board and executive team toured the airport to assess the progress of ongoing and planned projects.
Their visit also included a review of animal protection systems, which are essential measures aimed at improving aviation safety by keeping wildlife away from the airfield.
“This tour highlights ACZ’s dedication to the continuous improvement and modernisation of its airports, reinforcing their role as key drivers of economic growth and tourism in Zimbabwe,” said ACZ.
“The visit shows ACZ’s commitment to enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and operational efficiency to meet international standards and provide a world-class experience for travellers. ‘‘Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is more than just a gateway to the City of Kings and Queens; it’s a vital hub for regional connectivity and economic development.
“Its ongoing developmental projects reflect our dedication to creating a world-class travel experience.”
ACZ also said the upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery.
“We are building an aviation ecosystem that is not only efficient and safe but also fair and representative, ensuring that the benefits of our success are felt by all Zimbabweans.”
The ongoing works are part of a wide range of critical projects aimed at revitalising the airport.
Among them are the extension of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, construction of a new taxiway and apron, a fire station upgrade and the installation of modern airfield ground lighting.
Named after the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, the airport has two runways, the longest measuring 2 588 metres in length and 45 metres in width.
The expansion works are expected to enhance its operational capacity and improve passenger experience.
Meanwhile, the Victoria Falls International Airport is also set for a major rehabilitation and expansion to keep pace with the increasing passenger numbers and evolving aviation demands in a bold step towards enhanced efficiency and economic growth.
The project includes a full terminal facelift, critical technological upgrades and the construction of new facilities such as a dedicated Cargo Village and an on-site uplift catering service.
The developments are part of the airport’s scheduled 10-year maintenance cycle and come at a time when passenger traffic is rising sharply.
In an interview, ACZ public relations and communications manager, Mr Tonderai Mangombe, said the move is aimed at restoring the airport to its prime and positioning it as a world-class hub.
“We need to commensurate our growth in passenger traffic and airlines with the infrastructure that we have. We are upgrading the checking system, which is for the hardware and the software, so that a passenger can be able to be assisted quickly and more efficiently,” he said.
“This is work in progress and people are already on the ground doing that. We are hoping to be done by the end of August.”
This technological upgrade marks the first phase of the project. ACZ is also activating a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Jiangsu, the original builders of both Victoria Falls and Harare International Airports, to carry out a full-scale refurbishment.
“So what we want to do is to restore Victoria Falls International Airport to its prime. This means they are going to refurbish the terminal, the airside aerodrome and all the installations that are in the airport, including even the aviation security equipment,” said Mr Mangombe. “We expect that by the end of 2026, this airport will have been restored to its prime and will also meet the world-class technological advancements.”
Beyond aesthetic improvements and system upgrades, the project addresses two critical infrastructure gaps that have constrained the airport’s full economic potential. The most significant is the construction of a cargo village.
“Apparently, this airport has no cargo village. We have so much cargo coming into Victoria Falls and so much cargo leaving Victoria Falls, but we do not have a proper facilitation environment for it, especially the vegetables, the multicultural products which come into Victoria Falls,” he said.
The facility will be tailored for perishable goods and exports, a vital boost for local farmers and producers.
“We have fish around Binga, which also needs to be exported or moved around quickly. So that cargo village will be able to handle such cargo efficiently and effectively,” said Mr Mangombe.
In addition, the ACZ will establish an uplift catering facility to revolutionise in-flight services. At present, airlines bring all catering from their point of origin, but the new facility will allow them to source meals locally.
The ambitious expansion is backed by strong growth statistics. According to the latest figures, the airport handled 62 279 passengers in July this year alone, which translates to a 29,56 percent increase from June last year and a 39,69 percent jump compared to July last year.
This impressive upward trend underlines Victoria Falls’ enduring appeal as a global destination and the growing confidence of both airlines and travellers.
Other airports earmarked for expansion include; Hwange Airport and Kariba Airport.
Hwange Airport, which serves as the main gateway to Hwange National Park, will undergo a US$20 million rehabilitation of its taxiway and apron.
