News / Regional
Vic Falls Airport expansion on schedule
14 Apr 2014 at 01:43hrs | Views
The Victoria Falls International Airport expansion project is on schedule with the runway now 41 percent done while the terminal building is 23 percent complete.
The project is costing $150 million.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) public relations manager Anna Hungwe said the expansion project should be completed on schedule next year.
"Progress on the airside (runway) is 41 percent while progress on the landside (terminal building) is about 23 percent. Progress is satisfactory and the project is expected to be completed on schedule," she said.
Tour and adventure operators in the resort town of Victoria Falls have commended the government for the progress at the airport.
"This is much commended. It shows that the government is serious on the project. We are anticipating an upsurge in arrivals and therefore the need to have all things that matter like a big airport to handle big plans in place," said Steve Jonasi, general manager, Lion Encounter.
Blessing Munyenyiwa, general manager, Love for Africa said the expansion of the airport was also expected to attract more airlines.
Currently, only four airlines namely Air Namibia, South African Airways, BA Comair and Air Zimbabwe use the airport.
"We want to see more airlines like Fly Emirates landing here. So progress at the airport is very pleasing," he said.
The new runway will cater for wide-body aircraft, and the new International Terminal will be able to handle 1,2 million passengers per annum.
The project will see the existing terminal building upgraded and changed to a domestic terminal, while the existing runway will be strengthened and used as a full-length taxiway.
A new landside and airside road network as well as new car parking will also be constructed.
The project is costing $150 million.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) public relations manager Anna Hungwe said the expansion project should be completed on schedule next year.
"Progress on the airside (runway) is 41 percent while progress on the landside (terminal building) is about 23 percent. Progress is satisfactory and the project is expected to be completed on schedule," she said.
Tour and adventure operators in the resort town of Victoria Falls have commended the government for the progress at the airport.
"This is much commended. It shows that the government is serious on the project. We are anticipating an upsurge in arrivals and therefore the need to have all things that matter like a big airport to handle big plans in place," said Steve Jonasi, general manager, Lion Encounter.
Currently, only four airlines namely Air Namibia, South African Airways, BA Comair and Air Zimbabwe use the airport.
"We want to see more airlines like Fly Emirates landing here. So progress at the airport is very pleasing," he said.
The new runway will cater for wide-body aircraft, and the new International Terminal will be able to handle 1,2 million passengers per annum.
The project will see the existing terminal building upgraded and changed to a domestic terminal, while the existing runway will be strengthened and used as a full-length taxiway.
A new landside and airside road network as well as new car parking will also be constructed.
Source - chronicle
