Online Reporter
Michael Tome, Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s aviation industry is experiencing a strong resurgence, demonstrated by heavy infrastructure investments, expanding airline connectivity and renewed aviation diplomacy.
This has positioned the industry as a key enabler of tourism growth and broader economic recovery.
One of Zimbabwe’s major tourism targets is to grow its sector into a US$10 billion industry by 2030, aligning with Vision 2030, to transform the country into an empowered upper-middle-income economy.
At the centre of the aviation industry’s resurgence was the completion of the US$153 million upgrade of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in 2023, one of the country’s largest aviation infrastructure projects in recent years.
The modernisation expanded annual passenger handling capacity to about six million, introduced a new VVIP Pavilion and refurbished the domestic terminal.
As a result, passenger traffic rose by about 8,19 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting improving demand and confidence in air travel.
The infrastructure drive has been strengthened by critical systems upgrades aimed at improving safety and efficiency.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development commissioned a new Air Traffic Control communication system and a Secondary Surveillance Radar, strengthening Zimbabwe’s air navigation capabilities and aligning them with international standards.
“The aviation sector in Zimbabwe is undergoing a significant resurgence, marked by strategic infrastructure modernisation and proactive diplomatic engagement.
“A key achievement is the completion of the US$153 million upgrade to RG Mugabe International Airport, which has now increased annual passenger capacity from 2,5 million to six million and featured a new VVIP Pavilion and a refurbished domestic terminal, contributing to an 8,19 percent rise in passenger traffic for the first three quarters of 2025.
“This expansion is supported by critical system modernisations, including new Air Traffic Control Communication and Secondary Surveillance Radar installations in 2025,” the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said in a communique highlighting the aviation sector’s key milestones as of 2025.
Regional airport development also gained momentum, including the rehabilitation of Grand Reef Airport in Mutare, which was unveiled during the Sanganai/Hlanganani Zimbabwe World Tourism Expo held from September 10 to 12, 2025, creating fresh synergies between aviation and tourism.
National Handling Services (NHS) chief executive officer Mr Phillip Rambakudzibwa, in the same communique, said the launch of the Harare-Mutare flight was critical in boosting tourism and linking communities in Manicaland Province.
“Beyond infrastructure and systems, 2025 was a year of expanded connectivity and inclusive growth. The launch of the Harare-Mutare flight route marked a historic milestone for Manicaland Province. “More than a new flight, the route opened fresh economic and social corridors linking communities, stimulating tourism and reinforcing the national development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Mr Rambakudzibwa.
The ministry said the project is expected to improve regional accessibility and stimulate economic activity in Manicaland.
Airline connectivity also expanded significantly, with new entrants and increased frequencies boosting both domestic and international links.
Air Tanzania launched a strategic tourism route connecting Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls and Cape Town, while Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet added new routes and increased weekly flights.
In addition to successes recorded in 2025 and beyond, Zimbabwe intensified its engagement on the continental and global aviation stage as the country successfully hosted the 10th Edition of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Africa–Indian Ocean (AFI) Week in Victoria Falls from May 26 to 30, 2025.
The high-profile event showcased Zimbabwe as an emerging aviation hub, while also promoting investment opportunities and tourism destinations.
In another milestone, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, hosted the 36th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting.
The gathering promoted the sharing of best practices in airspace security and reinforced efforts to strengthen air traffic management capacity through targeted recruitment, training and retention of skilled personnel.
These developments have improved travel options for business and leisure passengers, while supporting the recovery of the tourism sector.
Zimbabwe also leveraged aviation diplomacy to open new markets as it made negotiations at various international fora.
The country signed seven Bilateral Air Services Agreements, securing reciprocal air service rights with partner states and laying the groundwork for further route development.
On the regulatory front, the enactment of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act and the review of 45 statutory instruments mark a significant step towards liberalising the sector.
The laws enhance safety and security oversight, in tandem with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, which focus on improving governance and operational efficiency
These reforms advance Zimbabwe’s Open Skies Policy and align national aviation regulations with the Single African Air Transport Market, a move expected to enhance competition, lower airfares and attract new airlines.
Together, the infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms and connectivity gains signal a decisive turnaround for Zimbabwe’s aviation industry, with authorities optimistic that the sector will play a growing role in trade facilitation, tourism growth and long-term economic development.
