Story by Owen Mandovha, Business Reporter
THE Year 2023 was a huge turning point in the country’s aviation industry following the commissioning of the newly expanded Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (RGMI) Airport.
It was a busy year for Zimbabwe’s aviation industry, which yet again registered significant growth following the opening up of the newly expanded terminal of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in August this year.
The US$150 million airport expansion project, has seen annual passenger holding capacity rising to six million from 2,5 million, hence providing a springboard for the growth of the country’s airline industry.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tawanda Gusha said, “The year 2023 was essentially successful for the country’s aviation industry with the commissioning of the RGMI Airport expanded terminals. This has placed the country into a new phase of aviation growth and this year alone 4 new airlines have started to fly into Zimbabwe attracted by the improving aviation infrastructure as well as growing business opportunities.”
The expanded airport is now handling increased business visitors and tourists in line with increased local investment opportunities.
“Indeed, the growth of the local economy has reverberated to the aviation industry as more business and tourist visitors have been coming into the country and we expect that this trend will continue going into 2024,” added Mr Gusha.
The Chief Executive Officer of The Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Mr Tawanda Gusha reckons that the year 2024 will also witness increased regional and international flights and are putting in place a robust marketing plan to showcase the modern national aviation infrastructure of the country.
