Starting in September this year, Uganda Airlines will be adding Harare to its list of destinations, marking a significant milestone as it joins a growing number of airlines returning to Zimbabwe after the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the global aviation sector. The airline’s new routes will also include Lusaka and Abuja, broadening its network and enhancing regional connectivity.
Tonderai Mangombe, the public relations and communications manager at Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), highlighted the positive impact of this expansion on Zimbabwe’s aviation and tourism sectors. “The entry of Uganda Airlines is expected to significantly boost passenger traffic into Zimbabwe,” Mangombe told NewsDay Business. “This increase in passenger flow will not only contribute to revenue growth for the Airports Company of Zimbabwe but also enhance our airport services, enabling continuous improvement in our offerings.”
Uganda Airlines’ expanded network will offer Zimbabwean travelers greater access to destinations within Uganda and beyond. This increased connectivity is set to open up new opportunities for exploration, business, and cultural exchange, aligning with the recent expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport. This development is part of an intensive route development drive aimed at optimizing airport capacity.
According to Mangombe, the new route is poised to strengthen regional integration within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “The introduction of Uganda Airlines is a step towards fostering closer regional ties and promoting economic growth and stability,” he explained.
The boost in international airlines serving Zimbabwean destinations is anticipated to enhance the country’s global aviation profile, attracting more carriers and increasing connectivity. “Hosting new international airlines enhances the reputation of Zimbabwean airports and boosts the country’s connectivity,” Mangombe noted. “Our airports are fully prepared to facilitate and handle new airlines, consistent with ACZ’s mission to optimize the travel experience through sustainable development and quality airport management.”
The Zimbabwean government has invested approximately US$153 million into the rehabilitation and expansion of RGM International Airport, following similar upgrades at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls International Airport. In 2016, Zimbabwe expanded Victoria Falls Airport at a cost of US$150 million, increasing its capacity from 500,000 to 1.5 million passengers annually.
The ongoing expansion projects aim to boost the country’s total airport handling capacity to 9.2 million passengers per year, up from 5.5 million. This increased capacity is expected to invigorate Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, which was hit hard by the pandemic’s restrictions in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, the enhanced airport infrastructure will play a crucial role in facilitating regional trade, particularly as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains momentum. This trade agreement promises to unlock opportunities within a US$3.4 trillion regional market.
Official projections indicate that the number of airlines servicing Zimbabwean destinations could rise by 80% compared to 2019 levels, when the carriers transported 1.5 million passengers. This represents an anticipated growth of nearly three million passengers this year, marking a significant recovery trajectory for an industry that faced severe setbacks during the pandemic. Data from the period between 2020 and 2021 showed that airlines carried 430,000 and 740,000 passengers, respectively. As Uganda Airlines begins its service to Harare, Lusaka, and Abuja, it marks a hopeful turn for Zimbabwe’s aviation industry, promising new opportunities and a boost to regional and international connectivity.
In other news – Let Them Schools Arts Festival to feature performance by Pah Chihera
Celebrated musician Pah Chihera will take center stage at this year’s Let Them Schools Arts Festival, which kicks off today at Churchill Boys School in Harare. The two-day festival, running from July 26 to 27, promises a vibrant celebration of arts and culture with a rich lineup of performances and activities.
Chido Musasiwa, Director of Let Them Trust, revealed that this year’s festival theme, *Tamuka*, meaning “we have awakened” in Shona, will spotlight a crucial societal issue—drug and substance abuse. Read More
