Jazmin Li
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa. The country has several airports, including the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, formerly known as the Harare International Airport, which is the largest airport in the country. The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) manages and develops eight airports in the country, providing direct access to popular tourist destinations. Other airports in Zimbabwe include Rusape Airport, Dawsons Airport, Kariba International Airport, Victoria Falls International Airport, and Plumtree Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (formerly Harare International Airport and Salisbury Airport) |
| Location | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Operator | Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe |
| Size | The airport's runway is 4725 meters long and 46 meters wide, with the capacity to handle wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 777/B747. |
| Terminals | The airport has both international and domestic terminals. The international terminal can handle 2 million passengers per year, while the domestic terminal can handle 500,000. |
| Expansion Plans | Expansion and renovation work is underway to increase the airport's annual passenger capacity to 6 million. |
| Amenities | The airport features 60 shops, including internet cafes, restaurants, banks, bureaus de change, fashion boutiques, and an information center. |
| Airlines | Air Zimbabwe, formerly British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Swissair, Qantas, and Air France. |
| History | Commissioned in 1956 and officially opened on February 5, 1957, at a cost of £924,000. |
| Other airports in Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls International Airport, Kariba International Airport, Rusape Airport, Dawsons Airport, Kwekwe Airport, Plumtree Airport |
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What You'll Learn
- The largest airport in Zimbabwe is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
- It was formerly known as Salisbury Airport and Harare International Airport
- The airport was commissioned in 1956 and opened in 1957
- The airport has a 4725-metre runway capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft
- The airport is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe
The largest airport in Zimbabwe is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
The airport was commissioned in 1956 and officially opened on 5 February 1957, costing £924,000 to build. It serves as the base of Air Zimbabwe, the national flag carrier, and is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. The airport features a 4,725-metre-long and 46-metre-wide runway, capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 777/B747. The international passenger terminal can handle 2 million passengers annually, while the domestic terminal has a capacity of 500,000 passengers. Expansion work is currently underway to increase the airport's overall passenger capacity.
The airport has a rich history, with Air Rhodesia establishing its headquarters there in 1967. Following Zimbabwean independence in 1980, Air Rhodesia's successor, Air Zimbabwe, maintained its presence at the airport. The airport has witnessed several notable incidents, including aircraft accidents and a 1979 attack by the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army, from which the airport emerged unscathed.
In November 2017, the airport was officially renamed after Zimbabwe's second president, Robert Mugabe, sparking some controversy among locals. Today, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport remains a vital transport hub, serving as a base for Air Zimbabwe's operations and connecting the country to 11 destinations through 16 airlines.
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It was formerly known as Salisbury Airport and Harare International Airport
The main airport in Zimbabwe is the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, which is located 15 kilometres south of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. It is the largest airport in the country and serves as the base of Air Zimbabwe, the national flag carrier. The airport is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
The airport was formerly known as Salisbury Airport and Harare International Airport. The name Salisbury was used as the airport was built on land east of Salisbury (now Harare). The airport was commissioned in 1956 and officially opened on 5 February 1957, costing £924,000 to build.
The original site for the airport, Belvedere Airport, was abandoned due to a misaligned runway. The new site was purchased in 1949, and an Airfield Construction Unit was formed to oversee the construction. The airport was originally intended to be completed by 1954, but construction was delayed due to a lack of funds.
In 1967, Air Rhodesia established its headquarters at the airport. Following Zimbabwean independence in 1980, Air Rhodesia's successor, Air Zimbabwe, maintained its head office at the airport.
On 9 November 2017, Harare International Airport was renamed Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, after the second President of Zimbabwe. This decision was controversial, as many Zimbabweans felt that too many places in the country had already been renamed after Mugabe.
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The airport was commissioned in 1956 and opened in 1957
The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, formerly known as the Harare International Airport, is the primary airport in Zimbabwe. It is the largest airport in the country and serves as the base of Air Zimbabwe, the national flag carrier. The airport was commissioned on 1 July 1956 by the Government of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and officially opened on 5 February 1957.
The history of the airport dates back to the late 1940s when the Southern Rhodesian government recognised the need for a national airport. In January 1947, they appointed a Southern Rhodesia Aerodrome Board to advise on the selection and construction of government aerodromes. Later that year, an Airfield Construction Unit was formed to search for a suitable site. The government purchased Kentucky and Adair farms east of Salisbury in 1949 for the construction of the new airport. The Minister of Mines and Transport also established an Airport Panel to coordinate the construction, comprising representatives from various government departments, the Municipality of Salisbury, and Rhodesia Railways.
The construction of the airport began soon after, with the runway completed by September 1951, allowing the first aircraft, an SRAF Anson, to land. The original completion date was set for 1954, but due to funding issues, the project was delayed. The airport, then known as Salisbury Airport, finally opened in 1957, costing £924,000 to build.
Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes and played a significant role in the country's aviation history. In 1967, Air Rhodesia established its headquarters at the airport, and after Zimbabwean independence in 1980, Air Zimbabwe maintained its presence. On 9 November 2017, the airport was officially renamed Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, honouring the second President of Zimbabwe.
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The airport has a 4725-metre runway capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft
Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa. The country has several airports, including Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, which is the largest airport in the country. The airport was formerly known as Salisbury Airport and Harare International Airport. It was commissioned in 1956 and officially opened on 5 February 1957, costing £924,000 to build. The airport has a long history, with Air Rhodesia establishing its headquarters there in 1967.
The airport boasts a 4725-metre runway capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 777/B747 or equivalent. The length of the runway is a significant feature, allowing for the safe operation of large aircraft. The runway's width is also impressive at 46 metres, providing ample space for aircraft movement and manoeuvring. This enables the airport to accommodate large, wide-bodied aircraft, which require longer runways for take-off and landing due to their higher weight and larger size.
The airport's capacity to handle wide-bodied aircraft is a crucial aspect of its operations. Wide-bodied aircraft are typically used for long-haul flights and have a larger cabin width, allowing for more passenger seats or cargo space. By accommodating these larger aircraft, the airport can facilitate international travel and support the country's tourism and trade industries. The ability to handle wide-bodied aircraft also enhances the airport's flexibility and versatility, enabling it to serve a more diverse range of airlines and destinations.
The impact of this capability extends beyond the airport's operations. Firstly, it contributes to the country's economic growth and development. Wide-bodied aircraft can carry more passengers and cargo, facilitating increased trade and tourism. This boosts local businesses, creates employment opportunities, and attracts foreign investment. Secondly, it enhances connectivity and accessibility to Zimbabwe. By accommodating larger aircraft, the airport expands the range of direct flights to and from the country, making travel more convenient and efficient for both locals and visitors.
Additionally, the airport's capability to handle wide-bodied aircraft has strategic implications. It positions the airport as a potential hub or stopover point for international carriers, particularly those operating long-haul routes. This could increase the airport's significance in the region, attracting more airlines and fostering competition, which could lead to improved services and competitive pricing for travellers. Overall, the ability of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft has far-reaching effects, influencing not just the airport's operations but also Zimbabwe's economy, tourism, and connectivity on a global scale.
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The airport is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's primary airport is the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (formerly known as Harare International Airport and Salisbury Airport). It is located in Harare, the country's capital, and is the largest airport in Zimbabwe. The airport is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), which has its head office on level 3 of the new International Terminal.
The CAAZ is the civil aviation regulatory authority in Zimbabwe and plays a crucial role in enhancing aviation activities within the country. It actively participates in destination marketing programmes to boost passenger traffic and engages in route development initiatives to attract more airlines to its airports. The CAAZ also advises the government on bilateral air service agreements with other countries.
The history of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport dates back to the early 1950s when the need for a new, safer airport arose. The Southern Rhodesian government appointed an Aerodrome Board to oversee the selection and construction of a new airport. Construction began soon after, and the airport was commissioned in 1956, officially opening on 5 February 1957. The airport has since undergone several name changes and upgrades, including the controversial renaming to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in 2017.
The airport serves as the base for Air Zimbabwe, the national flag carrier. It has experienced several notable incidents, including aircraft accidents and a mortar bomb attack in 1979, which, fortunately, left the airport unscathed. Today, the CAAZ continues to work towards improving the airport's infrastructure and services, with projects such as the R G Mugabe Airport upgrade.
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Frequently asked questions
The main airport in Zimbabwe is the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, formerly known as Harare International Airport and Salisbury Airport.
The airport is located in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe.
Some other airports in Zimbabwe include Victoria Falls International Airport, Kariba International Airport, Rusape Airport, Dawsons Airport, and Plumtree Airport.
