adminhighest annual passenger traffic ever to be handled at the airports since 1967, according to the country’s National Airports Corporations, which manages airports in the country.
Robinson Misitala, the company’s managing director said the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the biggest airport located in the capital Lusaka, recorded 925 079 passengers, a year-on-year increase of 17 percent when compared to 787 748 recorded in 2011.
On the other hand, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport, based in Ndola city on the Copperbelt Province, recorded an annual passenger traffic of 224 483, an increase of 5,84 percent when compared to 212 093 recorded in 2011 while Mfuwe Airport, located in the eastern part of the country, recorded 26 192 passengers, a 12 percent growth compared to 23 390 the previous year.
He, however, said Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport, located in the southern part of the country, recorded a decline when compared to 2011 and attributed this to a decision by one of the main airlines, 1Time Airlines, to stop operating.
The official has, however, said the hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly in August this year will result in an increased number of passenger flows at the four main airports.
“The corporation is challenged in ensuring that airport infrastructure is upgraded so that Zambia can become a hub for international traffic, a major transit and regional centre of excellence for the distribution of passengers and cargo,” he said. – Xinhua.
Online Reporter