The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) is preparing to undertake a major expansion of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, including the extension of the runway from 2.5 kilometres to 4.5 kilometres, in response to a surge in passenger traffic.
According to ACZ’s latest report, passenger numbers increased from 146,628 in 2022 to 189,271 in 2024.
“The increase in passenger traffic from 147,000 in 2022 to 188,000 in 2024 has driven the urgent need for expansion,” said the company.
This upgrade project, is set to begin in 2026, and will also include the refurbishment of the control tower, the construction of a cargo village with cold-storage facilities, and the installation of a 5MW solar power plant to improve energy efficiency.
Once completed, the expanded airport will be able to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, as well as to significantly boosting Bulawayo’s air connectivity and enhance its capacity to manage growing passenger and cargo volumes.
ACZ noted that the upgrade would deliver a markedly improved experience for travelers while the installation of a solar power plant is also expected to cut electricity costs and enhance the airport’s sustainability.
“A longer runway will also enable larger aircraft to land and take off safely, potentially attracting new airlines and additional routes,” it read.
For ACZ, the expansion represents a strategic investment aimed at strengthening operational capacity and broadening revenue potential.
Once fully upgraded, the airport will not only accommodate rising travel, and freight demands but also improve Bulawayo’s connectivity to major global destinations. The project is also anticipated to stimulate tourism, business travel, and investment in the region, further cementing the airport’s role as a vital transport and economic hub and reshaping the future of aviation in Bulawayo.
