Emirates, Qatar resume Zimbabwe flights

EMIRATES and Qatar Airways have resumed normal flight operations to Zimbabwe following disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East, in a development Government says reflects growing confidence in the country's aviation sector.

The two Gulf carriers had temporarily scaled back operations as regional instability disrupted air travel, affecting flight schedules and passenger traffic through major Gulf aviation hubs.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the restoration of services by the airlines was one of several positive developments strengthening Zimbabwe's position as a regional aviation destination.

He said increasing passenger traffic through the country's airports demonstrated continued recovery and expansion of the aviation industry.

"Nationally, our airports have facilitated the movement of over three million passengers — a clear indicator of growing confidence in our aviation infrastructure and services," said Minister Mhona.

"While the geo-political skirmishes in the Gulf have affected and reduced movement and landing and taking off of some of our trusted operators from the Gulf such as Emirates and Qatar, we are thrilled that the two airlines have resumed operating normally."

He said the growth in passenger numbers reflected Government's efforts to improve the movement of people and goods into and out of Zimbabwe.

"This growth is a testament to our collective efforts to enhance the movement of people and goods, both into and out of our country," he said.

Minister Mhona also highlighted progress in renewable energy at Victoria Falls International Airport, where a solar power generation project is now supplying about 60 percent of the airport's electricity needs.

"This initiative not only reduces our carbon footprint but also aligns with our national commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience," he said.

He commended aviation stakeholders, including the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), Air Zimbabwe, National Handling Services (NHS) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), for contributing to the sector's continued growth.

"These achievements underscore the Government's unwavering commitment to modernising our aviation sector, enhancing service delivery and positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive player in regional and global air transport networks," he said.

Minister Mhona said the aviation sector forms part of the Government's broader infrastructure development programme, which is aimed at driving inclusive economic growth, facilitating trade and boosting tourism.

"Infrastructure development is not merely about the construction of roads, bridges and terminals, but about laying the very foundation upon which inclusive socio-economic growth is built. It is about connecting people to opportunities, markets to producers and our nation to the global economy," he said.

He added that continued investment in transport infrastructure was creating jobs, reducing transport costs and improving access to essential services, particularly in rural areas.

"The transport sector, in particular, has played a pivotal role in advancing our national objectives of job creation and poverty alleviation. The expansion and rehabilitation of our road networks have significantly improved rural connectivity, reducing transport costs for farmers and traders, and enhancing access to essential services," he said.

The resumption of normal services by Emirates and Qatar Airways is expected to improve international connectivity, support tourism recovery and strengthen Zimbabwe's links with key global markets through the Gulf carriers' extensive international networks.