THE expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA) is nearing completion, a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s drive to modernise its aviation infrastructure and position itself as a regional transport hub, the government has announced.
The government embarked on this ambitious upgrade to significantly enhance the airport’s capacity and efficiency in handling increased passenger and flight volumes. In a statement at the weekend, the government confirmed that the expansion is now 85 percent complete and would raise the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity from 2.5 million to six million.
The US$153 million project is being financed through a loan facility from the China ExportImport Bank. The new terminal building boasts a range of modern amenities designed to improve the passenger experience.
These include self-check-in kiosks, Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS), restaurants, duty-free shops, prayer rooms, smoking areas, and a dedicated quarantine centre. Furthermore, 10 new boarding gates have been added, bringing the total to 16, while the number of jet bridges has more than doubled from three to seven.
A state-of-the-art VVIP pavilion is also under construction to cater to high-profile visitors. Authorities state that the upgraded facility was expected to significantly boost tourism, attract investment, and create thousands of jobs both during and after construction.
It is also anticipated to reinforce Zimbabwe’s standing as a key aviation gateway in southern Africa. Once completed, the RGM International Airport expansion would not only redefine Zimbabwe’s air travel landscape, but will also serve as a vital catalyst for broader economic growth and international connectivity. — New Ziana