President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially inaugurated the newly completed VVIP pavilion at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, a significant component of the ongoing US$153 million airport expansion project. This ambitious project is being executed by the Chinese construction giant China Jiangsu, with funding provided by China Exim Bank.
In his commissioning speech, President Mnangagwa highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and China, noting that these relations have played a crucial role in the successful rehabilitation and expansion of the airport. He praised the partnership as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the two nations.
The new VVIP pavilion recently hosted 13 Heads of State and other high-profile dignitaries during the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, showcasing its readiness and importance in accommodating significant international events.
The expansion project aims to enhance the airport’s capacity and facilities, reinforcing its status as a key gateway for both national and international travel.
In other news – Emergency landing in sewer pond, helicopter safely lands after engine failure
On Tuesday evening, a helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a sewer pond near Livingstone’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park due to an engine failure. The incident involved an aircraft operated by Batoka Sky and carried two international tourists along with the pilot.
According to police reports, all three occupants—pilot Steenkamp Jurie Johannes Reyneke and the two tourists—emerged from the ordeal without injury. The helicopter, though partly submerged in the sewer pond, sustained only minor damage, including a deformed rotor blade. Read More