Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE secured eight new aviation agreements with various countries during a major international conference this week that was held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as part of efforts to open up the country’s skies to more players.
The signings are a result of the country’s participation at the 17th International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025), which ends today in the Caribbean islands nation.
Led by Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe, the Zimbabwean delegation actively negotiated the deals aimed at enhancing international air travel and cargo services.
The newly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) establish frameworks for air transport cooperation with Argentina, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia and Ghana.
Furthermore, Eng Makumbe formalised Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with The Gambia and Ethiopia.
These agreements are crucial as they legally open Zimbabwe’s airspace for designated airlines from these nations to operate passenger and cargo flights.
A key focus is also on promoting code-sharing, which would allow foreign airlines to partner with domestic carriers, seamlessly connecting international and local routes.
Beyond the signings, the delegation held strategic talks with South Africa and Egypt to address specific operational concerns raised by airlines, aiming to improve efficiency and service.
Highlighting the broader economic goals, Eng Makumbe, in her discussions with the Dominican Republic, proposed the creation of joint tourism packages. This initiative is designed to mutually grow the tourism sectors of both nations by leveraging the new air links.
These developments are a direct implementation of Zimbabwe’s “Open Skies Policy”, which is designed to attract more international airlines. The policy allows any foreign carrier to seek arrangements to launch new routes or increase flight frequencies into the country.
This aviation push is a critical component of the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which views an efficient air transport system as a catalyst for economic growth.
The Government is concurrently upgrading airport infrastructure nationwide to meet international standards and accommodate the increasing interest.
This strategy has already proven successful, attracting major carriers such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways and Kenyan Airways to Zimbabwean airports.
