GOVERNMENT says the entry of new airlines into the market will ultimately shorten the duration of air travel, thereby facilitating access to a larger market.
Speaking during the launch of Uganda Airways service to Harare yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona said air transport leveraged on robust infrastructure was vital in economic growth.
“Air transport, leveraged on robust airport infrastructures, is pivotal to the economic growth of our country. The introduction of new players in the market is in line with our policy of de-overregulating the air transport sector, which is a key enabler to economic development,” he said.
“We hope that this will have a net effect of reducing air travel times with the view to improve access to a wider marketplace.
“I, therefore, challenge you all to make maximum use of this key business enabler. We believe that increased connectivity between Zimbabwe and Uganda is mutually beneficial.”
Uganda Airlines will be operating four weekly flights between Entebbe and Harare.
Added Mhona: “The introduction of Uganda Airlines into our skies brings on board new avenues for growth, development and collaboration between our two nations, as this new route will enhance connectivity between Zimbabwe and Uganda to facilitate easier travel between the two countries.
“We acknowledge that Uganda Airlines is bringing with it a vision of excellence as it boasts a modern fleet and a robust route network which will enhance the travel experience of passengers to and from Zimbabwe.”
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Mhona said air transport played a critical role as it opened and connected markets, facilitated trade and enabled industries to link into global supply chains.
“It is our hope, therefore, that as this connectivity will be facilitating tourism, cultural and business exchanges, economic opportunities will boom in this city, as the people-to-people relations between our citizens improves,” he added.
Zimbabwe has, in recent years, availed funds for the rehabilitation of major airports, a move which has attracted big airlines from across the region.
Government has injected about US$153 million into the rehabilitation and upgrade of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the third such undertaking following similar projects at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo and the Victoria Falls International Airport.
However, in 2022, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe director-general Elisha Chingosho told our sister publication The Standard that passenger numbers into Zimbabwe’s airports would rise above pre-pandemic levels in 2023, as traffic improved in the aftermath of hard lockdowns globally, opening opportunities for investments into a range of services that support airlines.
He said passenger numbers from 17 international and local airlines servicing Zimbabwe would rise by 80% compared to 2019 when the carriers moved 1,5 million people.
This represents growth to almost three million passengers this year, a positive trajectory for an industry that was battered by stringent global travel restrictions at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022.
According to the International Air Transport Association, African passenger numbers are expected to recover more gradually than in other regions, reaching 76% of 2019 levels and surpassing pre-crisis levels only in 2025.
