The refurbishment and modernisation of Buffalo Range Airport in Chiredzi is progressing rapidly, marking another milestone in the Government’s commitment to upgrading key infrastructure that supports tourism, trade, and investment. The project, which includes plans to extend the airport’s runway, forms part of the Second Republic’s broader vision to modernise Zimbabwe’s ports of entry and enhance connectivity across regions.
According to the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), the ongoing works are being carried out by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) and are expected to be completed by next month. The refurbishment involves upgrading the taxiway and apron, complementing earlier improvements made to the runway in 2021.
ACZ Public Relations and Communications Manager, Tonderai Mangombe, confirmed that the current phase is focused on ensuring safe and efficient aircraft operations.
“As ACZ, we are delighted that the government is renovating the taxiway at Buffalo Range International Airport.” The runway was successfully refurbished in 2021, and this phase focuses on completing the taxiway and apron to ensure safe aircraft operations,” said Mangombe.
He added that Buffalo Range Airport, which ranks as the fourth busiest in Zimbabwe, currently handles up to 20 aircraft landings a day, including both local and international flights. Plans are also underway to extend the runway from its current 1.6 kilometres to four kilometres, a development proposed by the Malilangwe Conservation Trust.
“This extension will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, allowing private and international planes to land directly at Buffalo Range without connecting through Harare or Johannesburg,” explained Mangombe.
The airport serves as a strategic gateway to the South Eastern Lowveld, connecting major wildlife conservancies such as Save Valley and Malilangwe, as well as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. This unique position makes Buffalo Range vital for facilitating eco-tourism and cross-border conservation efforts.
Beyond tourism, Buffalo Range Airport also plays a crucial role in supporting regional economic activities. It provides essential logistical support for large-scale operations such as Tongaat Hulett’s sugarcane plantations and the Green Fuel ethanol plant in Chisumbanje, both of which are key contributors to Zimbabwe’s agro-industrial sector.
The ongoing refurbishment and planned expansion are expected to boost Zimbabwe’s tourism appeal, reduce travel times for visitors to the Lowveld, and attract more direct international flights. Furthermore, the project will enhance trade efficiency and position the country as a competitive aviation and investment hub in Southern Africa.
In line with the Second Republic’s development agenda, the Buffalo Range Airport upgrade demonstrates Government’s resolve to modernise infrastructure, improve regional integration, and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth. Once completed, the modernised facility will not only transform the face of Chiredzi but also serve as a beacon of progress in Zimbabwe’s aviation and tourism renaissance.
