ZIMBABWE'S aviation sector recorded a 24,8% surge in passenger traffic during the first half of 2024, signalling a strong recovery from the pandemic-induced slump, the Zimbabwe Independent can report.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (Caaz) public relations and communications manager Firstme Vitori attributed the jump in passenger movement to a combination of factors, including infrastructure improvements, increased connectivity, and a booming tourism industry.
“Passenger movements for the first half of 2024 (January to June) totalled 1 024 121 passengers, there was a 24 8% increase in air passengers from 820667 in 2023 to 1 024 121 in 2024,” she said.
“This increase could be attributed to various factors, including infrastructure development from the upgrades to airports, roads as well as increased connectivity from new flight routes, frequencies and tourism growth.”
The increase, Vitori added, was also as a result of new airlines plying the Zimbabwe route.
She said: “During the first half, two more airlines were added to the list for scheduled operations into Zimbabwe, Fly Namibia commenced Windhoek–Victoria Falls flights on 4 April 2024 with a frequency of four weekly flights, CEMAIR also commenced on 7 April between Johannesburg and Harare with a frequency of 4 weekly flights.”
Caaz has invested in upgrading airports and roads, enhancing accessibility for both domestic and international travellers.
Additionally, the introduction of new flight routes and increased frequencies has expanded travel options.
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The positive trend is expected to continue throughout the year, with Caaz forecasting a 20% growth in passenger traffic.
This aligns with the global aviation outlook, as the International Air Transport Association (Iata) anticipates overall traveller numbers to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
“The International Air Transport Association expects overall traveller numbers to reach four billion in 2024, exceeding pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels,” she said.
Airlines have leveraged on the performance by the tourism sector to increase their revenue margins.
Zimbabwe's diverse attractions, such as Victoria Falls and the Hwange National Park, are drawing increasing numbers of visitors.
The country is projected to receive over two million tourists in 2024, attributed to the country’s diverse tourism offerings.
During the same period, cargo tonnage also increased by 7%, reaching 7 258 tonnes compared to 6 700 tonnes in the same period last year.
This positive development indicates a strong recovery in trade and economic activity.
As Zimbabwe continues to recover from the pandemic, the aviation sector is poised for further growth and development.
Zimbabwe currently has 16 airlines operating in the country.
These are Emirates, Airlink Harare, South African Airways, Flysafair, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Fastjet, Malawi Airlines, Qatar Airways, Eurowings, Air Botswana, Fly Namibia, Cemair, RwandAir, LAM Mozambique, Eswatini Air and Air Zimbabwe.
