Zim braces for increase in airline traffic

Ashley Mujoma

TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary, Theodius Chinyanga, said the Government has planned for increased airline traffic as they expect continued growth and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s air services and connectivity.

He was addressing a stakeholders’ engagement and media event on the future of Zimbabwe’s air service.

Chinyanga said it was a strategic initiative implemented by his ministry, through the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

They are working closely with the National Handling Services and key tourism private sector stakeholders.

“We are here today to share the successes of the programme and to chart a way forward for the continued growth and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s air services and connectivity,” he said.

He said Covid-19 had a negative impact on the country’s economy.

“The Covid-19 pandemic exerted a severe toll on the tourism and aviation sectors and had a devastating effect on our economy, particularly in our tourism destinations such as Victoria Falls.

“Increasing airline traffic in Zimbabwe will boost the tourism sector and it became apparent that the revitalisation of air transport services was also critical and necessary,” he said.