AIRPORT Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) participated in Routes World 2023 this week in Türkiye as part of efforts to entice Turkish Airlines to fly into the country.
Routes World is a platform where decision makers from airports and airlines worldwide gather to discuss the development of new air services and present opportunities for business growth.
The platform, according to ACZ spokesperson Tonderai Mangombe, provided an “ideal opportunity to meet with decision makers regarding the potential introduction of Turkish Airlines into Zimbabwe”.
He said the delegation from Zimbabwe included representatives from the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry, National Handling Services (NHS) and Café Espresso.
NHS and Café Espresso contributed to the costs of stand space, design and construction.
Mangombe also participated in panel discussions held during the event, where insights and perspectives on aviation-related topics were shared.
ACZ has embarked on a journey to develop the country’s air services, and following its campaigns, a number of airlines have started servicing the Zimbabwe market or expanded their offerings.
These include Cemair, Ethiopian Airlines, Fly Safair, Airlink, Fly Namibia, Uganda Airlines among others. Cemair launched four-times weekly air services between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls in August this year.
“Plans are underway for the introduction of additional services into Harare from Johannesburg. Ethiopian Airlines de-tagged Victoria Falls and Bulawayo on August 4, 2023. Bulawayo is now tagged with Ndola, Zambia while Victoria Falls is tagged with Gaborone,” Mangombe said.
Fly Safair has begun flights from Johannesburg to Harare as well as flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls.
Airlink is also expected to launch flights between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, South Africa, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on November 28, 2023.
“Fly Namibia is scheduled to introduce four weekly flights between Windhoek, Namibia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe in the first quarter of 2024. Uganda Airlines is planning to launch scheduled flights to Cape Town, South Africa, via Harare, Zimbabwe from Kampala, Uganda,” Magombe said.
