Eswatini, Zambian airlines get approval to operate in Zim
Africa Moyo–Deputy News Editor
Eswatini Air and Zambia Airways have applied and obtained foreign operator permits (FOPs) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), a development that underscores the country’s determination to continously open up the skies.
The permits allow the airlines to operate passenger and cargo operations in and outbound Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
CAAZ director general Engineer Elijah Chingosho yesterday said: “We are excited about the positive prospects for 2023 in line with the national Vision 2030 and guided by the National Development Strategy 1(NDS1) as we implement the Government-initiated open skies policy, positioning our economy for more trade, investment and tourism.”
Details on the commencement dates and frequencies of flights would be announced by the Airlines soon.
“We wish both Airlines the best of success,” said Eng Chingosho.
Since the coming of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa in 2017, more airlines – some of which had abandoned Harare – have been coming back.
This has, in turn, considerably boosted tourist arrivals since the post-Covid-19 induced travel restrictions.
Zimbabwe is presently developing airports infrastructure as it angles to Harare into a regional hub.
The US$153 million rehabilitation and modernisation of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is now 85 percent complete.
Victoria Falls International Airport has already been upgraded and it dwarfs airports in neighbouring countries.
Wide-bodied aircraft can land at Vic Falls Airport following the upgrade.
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