Robert Mugabe International Airport modernization project in Zimbabwe (2023)

Expansion and modernization work at the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe is at an advanced stage.

According to reports, the construction of the main terminal is nearing completion. Only a few finishing touches are being made. The state-of-the-art VVIP pavilion, on the other hand, is also almost ready, while the new opponents and initial sections are ready.

AccordingChina Jiangsu Internationala pumping station and a cold water pipeline have been installed. The company also revealed that boarding bridge number three had been successfully raised and connected.

At this rate, the Robert Mugabe International Airport could open for flights by June 2023. Meanwhile, rehabilitation of the existing international and domestic terminal buildings will begin and be completed by December 2023.

Robert Mugabe International Airport Modernization Project Overview

The expansion work at RGM International Airport includes the expansion of the international terminal building and parking areas and the installation of four new air bridges. A VVIP booth is also being built.

The project also includes the upgrade of ground lighting and communication systems, as well as service equipment such as ambulances, general purpose towing vehicles, airport shuttles and fire engines.

The projects are in the hands of the Chinese construction companyChina Jiangsu International. The financing of the expansion work at the RGM International Airport was done through a soft loan from theChina Exim Bankheard after a state visit to Beijing by President Mnangagwa in 2018.

November 2017

The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is being restored

Harare International Airport, now renamed Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA), is set to undergo a major renovation to match the stature of President Mugabe, a global icon. This is what the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Joram Gumbo says.

“I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that the airport, befitting your stature, will soon undergo a major rehabilitation and development programme. Project financing negotiations are progressing well and nearing completion and we hope that work will begin before the end of the year,” he added.

Masterplan for the development of the airport

In addition, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development is now working on an airport development master plan to be shared with the rest of government.

“The plan will guide the development of aviation in the country in pursuit of our goal of creating a hub for aviation services in the country. My ministry is looking at alternative and innovative ways of financing to ensure the implementation of the plan,” said Minister Joram Gumbo.

By renaming the airport the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Minister Gabo said, the ministry is implementing a decision by the Zanu-PF conference to name the country's largest and busiest airport after Zimbabwe's head of state and government and commander-in-chief. Defense.

Local Government, Public Works and Housing Minister Salvador Kasukuwere said his ministry will work with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to ensure that additional land is made available for the airport expansion.

“As this airport is set to expand, we will continue to work with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development to ensure that the necessary land is available for future expansion,” Minister Kasukuwere said.

"This airport is part of your legacy, wise leadership and you have prioritized infrastructure and the development of public services in the country for all Zimbabweans." Minister Kasukuwere said the airport is known for its distinctive conical tower, which he described as a landmark.

“For visitors, it is their first glimpse of Zimbabwe. For those returning from their travels, it is a welcome first glimpse of home. Since you are the face of Zimbabwe, it is only fitting that this airport is named after you. We want to thank you for accepting this honor bestowed upon you by your grateful nation. It is therefore fitting that the airport should be named after an illustrious son of Zimbabwe,” Minister Kasukuwere said.

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Harare Foreign Minister Mirriam Chikukwa said the airport's new name shows the pride Zimbabweans have in President Mugabe. He said Harare was honored to host the airport.

“I am therefore very happy that with this name change, the airport will soon undergo a development programme, which will contribute immensely to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the country's economic project, Zim-Asset in the infrastructure and public infrastructure complex. services,” Chikukwa said.

May 2018

Zimbabwe signs loan agreement to expand Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

The government of Zimbabwe signed a loan agreement withChina Eximbankfor the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport expansion project. The US$153 million expansion project has been approved by the National Assembly and work is expected to start soon.

According to Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa, the modernization and expansion of the airport will restore Zimbabwe and Harare's position as an international and regional hub.

Patrick Chinamasa added that he hopes to increase passenger and aircraft handling areas through the expansion of the international terminal building.

facility equipment

According to Chinamasa, passenger service should be improved through the introduction of state-of-the-art equipment and passenger facilitation systems and ensuring runway safety through the completion of the runway rehabilitation and airport lighting project.

"We expect an increase in traffic at the airport as evidenced by the increase in traffic at the Victoria Falls International Airport following the completion of this development project," he added.

Apart from returning the country to an international and regional hub, the airport expansion project will also boost tourist visits to the country and create jobs.

In addition, the soft loan agreement has a grace period of 7 years, with a commission rate of 0.25%, an annual interest rate of 2% and a management fee adjusted to the same rate that will have a duration of 20 years, including the seven-year grace period.

In addition, Minister Chinamasa confirmed that a delivery agreement between the government and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe is expected to be signed soon under the same terms.

Loan payment

However, money collected from various airport fees will be used to pay off the loan.

However, China Eximbank also provided $150 million for the expansion of the Victoria Falls International Airport. The airport has seen an increasing number of tourists to the resort town since its completion.

July 2018

Zimbabwe orders rehabilitation of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commissioned the $153 million Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport modernization and rehabilitation project as his government seeks to upgrade the country's infrastructure to meet global standards.

According to President Emerson, the project is expected to be completed in three years and provide employment to citizens. The president added that the modernization and rehabilitation of the airport has been a catalyst for economic development.

"It supports the wider national ambitions around the transport network and infrastructure in the country as we strive to fully industrialize and modernize the economy," he said.

“The ongoing renovation and re-equipment of the railway sector by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) will complement the modernization of airports and road construction as well as the modernization of our border stations to benefit trade, industry. businessmen and travelers," he added.

Modern infrastructure, President Mnangagwa said, is an essential factor for industrialisation, human development and economic growth.

“Therefore, airports are the basic physical structure necessary for the efficient functioning of any modern society, business or economy. It facilitates the movement of goods and individuals, tourists, investors, among others,” he said.

Job creation

“It is very gratifying that upon implementation this project will create employment opportunities for women and youth, among others, and stimulate demand for various raw materials, improving the capacity utilization of our local industry,” the president said.

“Upon completion, this project is expected to drive the current positive trends of growth and transformation in trade and tourism. In addition, it will facilitate trade in agricultural, mineral and other products with China, the Far East and Europe through enhanced air connectivity in line with existing air service agreements and the expected growth of all sectors of our economy,” he added.

RGM International Airport has a combined annual passenger capacity of 2.5 million people and the upgrade is expected to reach six million.

The number of airlines serving Zimbabwe is also expected to increase. President Mnangagwa said the implementation of the project should be accompanied by additional developments in the aviation sector.

December 2019

Expansion work is underway at RGM International Airport in Zimbabwe

Expansion work at the $153 million Robert Gabriel Mugabe RGM International Airport is underway, with 22% of the work already completed, with an expected completion date of late 2021.

Joel Biggie Matiza, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, said recently that the government is impressed with the progress of the work so far. The 36-month project is one of the key infrastructure development projects undertaken by the Second Republic in 2019. Upon completion, the airport is expected to handle 6 million passengers annually.

The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGM) is one of the projects that recently came under fire after Chinese financial institutions suspended funding because the Zimbabwean government breached an escrow account at The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, withdrawing and converting $10 million into local money. coin.

The other projects affected were the Hwangwe hydropower station and the NetOne telecommunications expansion project. The Zimbabwean government's action effectively put $1.3 billion at risk.

July 2022

2 air transport buses were commissioned at the Robert Mugabe International Airport

As part of the ongoing renovation and modernization of the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe, two new shuttle buses have been commissioned. This happened during a ceremony led by Felix Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development.

The minister said that the use of buses from the airport which they have taken overLuchthavens Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (ACZ)it would be convenient for passengers. In addition, Mhona said it will ensure continuous stops, process arrivals quickly and depart on time. This, he explained, will ultimately free up space, avoid delays and save money.

The construction of the VVIP pavilion and the departure and arrival areas of the airport is in full progress

On the sidelines it was announced that work on the avant-garde VVIP pavilion is in full swing. The minister revealed that representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade are working together to ensure that all necessary conditions are met. The public will reportedly be able to use the newly renovated departure and arrival areas at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by the end of the year.

Minister Mhona urged ACZ and stakeholders to keep pace and ensure that the bus fleet grows with the airport. This is an attempt to take advantage of the government's zero-carbon smart electric vehicle policy.