ANNUAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC SOARS AT R.G. MUGABE INT. AIRPORT

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA) has demonstrated strong recovery and growth in the aviation sector, recording a significant 8.19% increase in passenger traffic for the first nine months of the year. The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (ACZ) released the new figures today, highlighting the airport’s crucial role as the nation’s primary aviation hub.

Between January and September 2025, RGMIA successfully handled a total of 1,191,309 passengers. This figure represents a robust jump from the 1,101,030 passengers recorded during the same nine-month period in the previous year, 2024. This positive trajectory underscores the renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s aviation and tourism sectors, cementing the country’s appeal as a safe and viable destination.

The surge in passenger numbers at RGMIA is largely attributed to the completion of the major terminal expansion project. This ambitious infrastructure upgrade, which included the installation of modern aerobridges and advanced passenger handling systems, significantly boosted the airport’s annual capacity to 6 million passengers. The enhanced facilities and improved operational efficiency have clearly translated into a better experience for both local and international travellers, making Harare a more attractive entry point.

Furthermore, the growth is fuelled by a combination of positive trends, including the entry of new international airlines and the reopening of various routes, which has offered travellers greater choice and connectivity. The increase in flight frequencies and a general rebound in global business and tourism activity, particularly after the recent global accolade naming Zimbabwe a top country to visit in 2025 by Forbes Magazine, have also played a decisive role.

This detailed report for RGMIA marks the first in a series of specific annual passenger traffic reports that the Airports Company of Zimbabwe will be releasing for each of the nation’s airports. The ACZ remains committed to transparency and providing crucial data for stakeholders to track and analyse the evolving traffic patterns.

The sustained momentum in passenger traffic signals a bright outlook for the remainder of the year and reinforces the government’s sustained investment in infrastructure under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) is yielding measurable results. Stakeholders anticipate further volume increases in the last quarter, typically a busy festive period for travel. Stay connected to ACZ for more upcoming statistics as the full picture of Zimbabwe’s aviation resurgence unfolds.