Nationwide airport upgrades to enhance tourism

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

Major rehabilitation and upgrades to airports will not be confined to Harare and the Grand Reef Aerodrome in Mutare, but will be rolled out nationwide as part of a broader strategy to develop a domestic aviation network that supports tourism growth, a Cabinet Minister has said.

The network will link Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Victoria Falls and other provincial centres, providing greater connectivity for both business and leisure travel.

Grand Reef Aerodrome has already undergone extensive rehabilitation, including runway strengthening, terminal improvements and safety upgrades, enabling it to handle larger aircraft and increased passenger volumes expected during the forthcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.

New infrastructure includes a terminal building, an office block, refurbished staff housing and seven upgraded office buildings.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi launched Air Zimbabwe’s daily flights to Mutare, over the weekend.

Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza, Tourism Deputy Minister Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa, Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) chief executive Mr Tawanda Gusha, Air Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Edmund Makona and senior Government officials witnessed the launch.

The new service is part of Air Zimbabwe’s turnaround plan, which seeks to expand its route network and improve access to key tourist destinations.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Mhona said Grand Reef Aerodrome, originally established as a military base in the 1950s, had been successfully converted into a civil aviation facility with a 1 200-metre runway capable of accommodating Code B aircraft.

“The launch of the inaugural flight to Mutare is the realisation and implementation of the vision of His Excellency, the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, under the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.

“The development we are all experiencing here, is a result of a whole government approach, which was achieved through strategic collaboration between various stakeholders, which include, the collaboration with my sister and colleague Honourable Barbara Rwodzi who worked shoulder to shoulder with us in advocating for the operationalisation of this route ahead of the Sanganai/Hlangani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.

“As we speak, the aerodrome has since seen the construction of a new terminal building, new office building and of course, the refurbishment of seven office buildings and staff accommodation.”