Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona will lead a delegation on a tour of Charles Prince Airport this Thursday.
Charles Prince Airport, located in Mount Hampden, is set to be upgraded to standards similar to those of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.Currently, the airport serves as a dedicated hub for light aircraft and flying academies.
Negotiations have begun with Chinese partners regarding the expansion and upgrading of Charles Prince Airport.Minister Mhona recently highlighted the constraints at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, noting that its location in a densely populated area prevents further expansion.
In contrast, Charles Prince Airport offers ample land and space for development. Minister Mhona said the strategic location of Charles Prince Airport, along with its proximity to the Cyber City and the New Parliament, makes it ideal for international operations.Minister Mhona reiterated the critical role that airports play in bolstering the economy and improving accessibility.
Charles Prince Airport has evolved from being one of three Harare small airports established during World War II as part of the Royal Air Force training programme.It has a rich legacy, having served as a civil airport since its opening in 1958, and was the first site managed by Charles Hilton Prince, a pioneer in civil aviation.
In addition to the developments at Charles Prince Airport, plans for an international airport in Manicaland are also advancing, with a feasibility study that commenced in the first quarter of this year.This initiative responds to ongoing demands from the travel and business communities, as well as local tourism stakeholders advocating for improved air transport infrastructure.
A site in Mutasa District has been identified as a suitable location for the proposed airport, which is expected to enhance trade and tourism in the region.The absence of a functional airport in Manicaland has been seen as a barrier to tourism growth, limiting the potential to showcase the province’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage.
With improved air access, stakeholders believe that both domestic and international visitors will be more inclined to explore the region, unlocking its tourism potential and fostering economic development.The establishment of these airports signals a proactive approach by the Zimbabwean Government to invest in infrastructure that supports growth and accessibility across the nation.
