Story by Gay Matambo
THE refurbishment and modernisation of Buffalo Range Airport in Chiredzi is at an advanced stage, with government plans underway to extend the facility’s runway as part of efforts to enhance the country’s aviation and tourism sectors.
The expansion project is part of the Second Republic’s drive to modernise Zimbabwe’s ports of entry and improve infrastructure to support economic growth.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) Public Relations and Communications Manager, Mr Tonderai Mangombe, told ZBC News that rehabilitation of the airport’s taxiway and apron is being carried out by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) and is expected to be completed next month.
“As ACZ, we are happy that the government is refurbishing the taxiway for Buffalo Range International Airport. The runway was successfully refurbished in 2021, and this phase focuses on completing the taxiway and apron to ensure safe aircraft operations,” said Mr Mangombe.
He added that the airport, which is the fourth busiest in Zimbabwe, can handle up to 20 aircraft landings a day, including international flights.
“We also have a pending project to extend the runway. Malilangwe Conservation Trust made a proposal to increase its length from 1.6 kilometres to four kilometres to accommodate larger aircraft. This will allow private and international planes to land directly at Buffalo Range without connecting through Harare or Johannesburg,” he said.
Buffalo Range Airport serves as a strategic gateway to the South Eastern Lowveld’s major conservancies, including Save Valley and Malilangwe, as well as to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which links rich wildlife areas across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
The airport also supports business operations for the Tongaat Hulett sugarcane plantations and the Green Fuel ethanol plant in Chisumbanje, further cementing its role in regional economic activity.
The refurbishment and proposed runway extension are expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a prime destination for both tourism and investment.
