JOSHUA MQABUKO NKOMO AIRPORT TO UNDERGO MAJOR RUNWAY EXTENSION

The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) recently announced a significant upgrade to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, with plans to extend the runway from its current 2.5km to a new length of 4.5km. This major expansion will enable the airport to accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s, a move poised to transform Bulawayo into a major regional travel hub.

According to ACZ spokesperson Tonderai Mangombe, the project is a direct response to the airport’s rapidly growing passenger numbers. Bulawayo has seen a remarkable increase in air travel, with passenger traffic rising from 147,000 in 2022 to an impressive 188,000 in 2024. This surge underscores the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure to meet rising demand and unlock new opportunities for tourism and commerce.

The runway extension is the centrepiece of a comprehensive development plan for the airport. The project will also include a complete refurbishment of the control tower to improve air traffic management and safety. Additionally, a new cargo village equipped with cold storage facilities will be established, positioning the airport to handle a wider range of freight, particularly perishable goods. A 5MW solar plant is also part of the plan, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly operations by reducing the airport’s carbon footprint.

While the project was initially slated for this year, the ACZ now anticipates construction to begin in 2026. This timeline allows for thorough preparation and securing of the necessary resources to ensure the project’s success. The upgrade is expected to have a far-reaching positive impact on the city of Bulawayo and the broader Matabeleland region. Through accommodating larger aircraft, the airport will open up new direct international routes, attract more tourists, and facilitate increased trade. The improved cargo facilities, in particular, will be a boon for local agricultural and manufacturing sectors, enabling them to connect with global markets more efficiently.

This ambitious project signals a new era for air travel in Zimbabwe, solidifying Bulawayo’s role as a key gateway and contributing to the country’s economic development goals.