News / National
Buffalo Range Airport refurbishment nears completion
2 hrs ago |
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The refurbishment and modernisation of Buffalo Range Airport in Chiredzi are nearing completion, with government plans in motion to extend the runway as part of efforts to boost Zimbabwe's aviation and tourism sectors.
The project forms part of the Second Republic's infrastructure modernisation agenda, aimed at improving ports of entry and facilitating economic growth.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) Public Relations and Communications Manager, Tonderai Mangombe, told ZBC News that the rehabilitation of the airport's taxiway and apron—being undertaken by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) - is progressing well and is expected to be completed next month.
"As ACZ, we are happy that the government is refurbishing the taxiway for 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 noted that Buffalo Range, Zimbabwe's fourth busiest airport, can accommodate up to 20 aircraft landings a day, including international flights.
"We also have a pending project to extend the runway. Malilangwe Conservation Trust has proposed increasing its length from 1.6 kilometres to four kilometres to accommodate larger aircraft. This will allow private and international planes to land directly at Buffalo Range without connecting through Harare or Johannesburg," he added.
Buffalo Range Airport is a key gateway to the South Eastern Lowveld's major conservancies—Save Valley and Malilangwe—and to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which connects wildlife-rich regions across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
The facility also supports commercial operations for Tongaat Hulett's sugarcane plantations and the Green Fuel ethanol plant in Chisumbanje, reinforcing its importance to regional trade and industry.
The ongoing refurbishment and proposed runway extension are expected to strengthen Zimbabwe's position as a leading destination for tourism and investment in the region.
The project forms part of the Second Republic's infrastructure modernisation agenda, aimed at improving ports of entry and facilitating economic growth.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) Public Relations and Communications Manager, Tonderai Mangombe, told ZBC News that the rehabilitation of the airport's taxiway and apron—being undertaken by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) - is progressing well and is expected to be completed next month.
"As ACZ, we are happy that the government is refurbishing the taxiway for 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 noted that Buffalo Range, Zimbabwe's fourth busiest airport, can accommodate up to 20 aircraft landings a day, including international flights.
"We also have a pending project to extend the runway. Malilangwe Conservation Trust has proposed increasing its length from 1.6 kilometres to four kilometres to accommodate larger aircraft. This will allow private and international planes to land directly at Buffalo Range without connecting through Harare or Johannesburg," he added.
Buffalo Range Airport is a key gateway to the South Eastern Lowveld's major conservancies—Save Valley and Malilangwe—and to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which connects wildlife-rich regions across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
The facility also supports commercial operations for Tongaat Hulett's sugarcane plantations and the Green Fuel ethanol plant in Chisumbanje, reinforcing its importance to regional trade and industry.
The ongoing refurbishment and proposed runway extension are expected to strengthen Zimbabwe's position as a leading destination for tourism and investment in the region.
Source - online
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