Harare, (New Ziana) – The country is committed to global aviation goals, including sustainable growth, and regional cooperation, and is modernizing the sector to meet these, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona has said.
Addressing the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, he said Zimbabwe’s aviation sector was growing, on the back of investment in infrastructure, and the broader transport system of the country.
“Zimbabwe remains dedicated to sustainability in aviation, guided by ICAO’s Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG),” he said.
To this end, Mhona highlighted the country’s submission of its State Action Plan on carbon emission reduction, participation in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), and ongoing capacity-building under ICAO’s Sustainable Aviation Fuels programme (ACT-SAF).
He noted that aviation and transport infrastructure development formed a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy, with major investments already being realized. These include the upgrade and expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the rehabilitation of the Grand Reef Aerodrome in Mutare to resuscitate flights to the Eastern Highlands, modernization of airspace management, and improvements in aviation safety and security systems.
“These developments are essential to implementing the Open Skies Policy under the Yamoussoukro Decision and advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063,” Mhona said.
Mhona further underscored Zimbabwe’s growing role in regional aviation affairs, noting the country’s successful hosting of the 10th ICAO Africa-Indian Ocean Aviation Week in Victoria Falls earlier this year. The high-level meeting drew ICAO leaders, African ministers responsible for aviation, and representatives of international organizations.
He reiterated that Zimbabwe’s aviation agenda was anchored in the government’s policy of engagement and re-engagement, aimed at strengthening international partnerships and opening the skies to increased connectivity and growth.
New Ziana
