More than a year after unveiling plans to build an international airport in Manicaland, the government is still actively seeking investors to help launch the project.
The proposed airport, to be located in Mutare, is expected to boost both tourism and mining operations in the province. It has been described as a potential “game changer” for the region, opening up easier access to Manicaland’s scenic tourist destinations and supporting economic growth.
An area in the Mutasa district has already been identified for the airport site, and authorities had initially projected that a feasibility study would be completed by the end of the first quarter this year.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, posting on his X account under the alias Jamwanda, called on potential investors to position themselves for involvement in the project. “A new international airport has been planned for Manicaland in the Mutasa area. Those interested in investing should take forward positions,” he wrote.
Charamba’s remarks coincided with an announcement from Air Zimbabwe, which revealed it will introduce flights to Mutare during the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, scheduled for September 10–12.
The airline hopes the new flights will make travel to Manicaland’s tourist hotspots more convenient. In a statement, Air Zimbabwe CEO Edmund Makona explained that this new route is part of a pilot initiative to assess market interest.
“We’re testing demand and exploring whether this route could be viable in the long term,” Makona said. “If the interest is strong, we’re prepared to make Mutare flights a permanent part of our service.”
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