ZIMBABWEAN AIRPORTS EXPERIENCE GROWTH IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC

ALL airports across Zimbabwe recorded robust growth in passenger traffic during the second quarter of 2025, with total visitors rising to 612 695 from 501 275 in the first quarter, representing a 22,2 percent increase.

The growth signals renewed confidence in the aviation and tourism sectors as the economy continues to improve.

According to the Second Quarter 2025 Transport Statistics Report released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), the growth was recorded across major airports, namely Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Joshua Mqabuko

Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls International Airport.

The country’s smaller regional airports also registered traffic volume growth.

“All airports recorded increases in the number of passengers during the second quarter of 2025 when compared to the first quarter, resulting in an overall 22,2 percent increase,” the report presented by Zimstat manager services statistics, Mr Mukoki Kureva, said.

The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the country’s busiest aviation hub, recorded a 13,9 percent rise in passengers, from 347 080 to 395 267.

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo saw a 16,5 percent increase in visitor traffic, climbing from 43 217 to 50 367.

Victoria Falls International Airport, a key gateway for international tourists, recorded the highest growth at 48,4 percent, surging from 107 500 to 159 527 passengers on the back of increased tourist arrivals.

Other regional airports recorded a combined 116,6 percent growth, from 3 478 to 7 534 passengers, underscoring the growing economic and tourism activity across provincial centres.

The report also revealed a significant rise in commercial flight operations, with total flights increasing by 47,2 percent during the quarter, a clear indicator of a resurgent aviation industry.

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport handled 6 931 flights, up 19,8 percent from 5 787 in the previous quarter, maintaining its dominance.

Victoria Falls International Airport registered a spectacular 75,2 percent jump in flights, from 2 474 to 4 334, highlighting soaring international demand for the resort town.

Similarly, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport recorded a 34,4 percent increase in flight activity, from 1 483 to 1 993, while other regional airports posted a combined 113,8 percent surge in flights, demonstrating successful decentralisation of air traffic

and growing investment in provincial economies.

The figures have been revealed at a time Zimbabwe has been named the 2025 world best country to visit by Forbes magazine, a renowned global publication.

Forbes’ ranking of Zimbabwe comes at a time when the country continues to increase its appeal as a premium international tourist destination.

Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continues to defy global headwinds, recording over 1,6 million international tourist arrivals in 2024 and generating US$1,2 billion in receipts and US$190,5 million in investments, according to a government ministry report released in

September.

The country boasts majestic tourist attractions including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites— the Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe monument, Khami Ruins National Monument, Matobo Hills and Mana Pools National Park.

According to the Forbes The World’s Most Visited Countries report, travel experts cited Zimbabwe as the go-to tourist destination of the year, describing the country as “a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage—where jagged granite outcrops

rise above sun-scorched golden plains and skies stretch wide over rustling acacia groves.”

The majestic Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe Monument and the Eastern Highlands were described as must visits for tourists chasing opportunities for wellness travel, city jumping and low-intensity travel.

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