GRAND REEF AIRPORT CONVEYS A NEW ERA OF CONNECTIVITY IN THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS

The Eastern Highlands have officially entered a new era of accessibility and economic potential with the unveiling of the newly established Grand Reef Airport in Mutare. This strategic infrastructure investment, which recently hosted the inaugural Air Zimbabwe flight on September 8, 2025, marks a critical milestone in the Airports Company of Zimbabwe’s (ACZ) vigorous expansion plan under the government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and its forward-looking trajectory toward NDS2.

The upgrade of Grand Reef Airport, which enables it to accommodate larger aircraft and handle increased passenger traffic, is poised to be a game-changer for the region. The move is expected to significantly boost tourism, providing a direct and convenient gateway to prime destinations like Nyanga, the Vumba mountains, and Chimanimani. For years, the arduous four-hour road trip from Harare was a major deterrent for time-poor tourists and investors. The 30-minute flight has transformed this narrative, unlocking Manicaland’s vast potential.

This development is designed to capture a substantial share of international tourism traffic, which will boost foreign currency inflows and foster inclusive regional economic growth. The local tourism and hospitality sector, encompassing hotels, guesthouses, and tour operators, is already bracing for a significant surge in visitor numbers. This infrastructure thrust directly addresses the NDS1 priority of Infrastructure and Utilities and lays the foundation for accelerated growth targeted under NDS2 (2026-2030).

The ACZ stated that this strategic development is a strong commitment to achieving the national vision of a modernised, high-capacity air transport network that powers economic growth across all provinces. The new facility, coupled with major rehabilitative upgrades to the runway and terminal, is set to transform Mutare into a vital air hub. Following the successful model of the R.G. Mugabe International Airport’s recent upgrade, this project reaffirms the government’s resolve to grow the national aviation capacity exponentially. The goal is to facilitate an even greater jump in overall annual passenger movement than the current momentum. The new Grand Reef Airport is more than just an airstrip; it is a symbol of renewed hope and opportunity for the entire Eastern Highlands.