Government has embarked on a transformative project to upgrade Charles Prince Airport in Mt Hampden, a move expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s air connectivity and cement its position as a regional aviation hub.
This expansion marks another milestone in the Second Republic’s ambitious infrastructure development agenda, which has already seen major upgrades at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, and Victoria Falls International Airport.
During a high-level tour of Charles Prince Airport yesterday, the Government confirmed that modalities are now in motion to turn the facility into a modern international airport capable of meeting rising passenger and cargo demands.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, revealed that his ministry had successfully identified land to pave the way for expansion.
“The Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, has tasked us to assess and identify land here at Charles Prince Airport for its expansion into an international airport. Today, we have successfully identified over 300 hectares of land for this purpose. We will be handing it over to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development so that the expansion project can commence. This is a project we fully support,” Dr Masuka said.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona, reaffirmed Government’s unwavering commitment to the project, noting that it is being carried out under the direct instruction of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We are here to fulfil the vision of our great leader, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has directed us to move with speed in the expansion of Charles Prince Airport. While we already have the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, it no longer fully aligns with the bold vision of the Second Republic.
“Therefore, we are working towards developing a modern airport capable of accommodating two to three runways. I would like to express my gratitude to my colleague, the Minister of Lands, for swiftly responding to this national call and availing over 300 hectares of land to make this project a reality. We have now seen and confirmed the land, and work will begin in earnest. By Monday, we should have a report ready to present to our Principal,” Minister Mhona said.
The project signals Zimbabwe’s intention to not only modernise its aviation infrastructure but also strengthen its role in global trade, tourism, and investment flows. By creating additional capacity for flights and cargo, the expanded Charles Prince Airport is set to relieve pressure on Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, while positioning Mt Hampden as a new hub for commerce and international travel.
For Zimbabwe, the skies are indeed opening wider, promising greater opportunities for connectivity, growth, and development under the Second Republic’s infrastructure vision.
