Zimbabwe's Airports Record Robust Growth in Passenger Traffic Amid Economic Recovery

Zimbabwe's economy continues to show signs of improvement, with all airports across the country recording a significant increase in passenger traffic during the second quarter of 2025. According to the Second Quarter 2025 Transport Statistics Report released by ZimStat, the total number of visitors rose to 612,695 from 501,275 in the first quarter, representing a 22.2 percent increase. The growth is attributed to renewed confidence in the aviation and tourism sectors, with major airports such as Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, and Victoria Falls International Airport recording notable increases in passenger traffic.

Key Takeaways:

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport recorded a 13.9 percent rise in passengers, from 347,080 to 395,267.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo saw a 16.5 percent increase in visitor traffic, climbing from 43,217 to 50,367.
Victoria Falls International Airport, a key gateway for international tourists, recorded the highest growth at 48.4 percent, surging from 107,500 to 159,527 passengers.
All airports across Zimbabwe recorded robust growth in passenger traffic during the second quarter of 2025, with a 22.2 percent increase in total visitors.
The growth signals renewed confidence in the aviation and tourism sectors as the economy continues to improve.
The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport handled 6,931 flights, up 19.8 percent from 5,787 in the previous quarter.
Victoria Falls International Airport registered a spectacular 75.2 percent jump in flights, from 2,474 to 4,334, highlighting soaring international demand for the resort town.
Other regional airports posted a combined 113.8 percent surge in flights, demonstrating successful decentralisation of air traffic and growing investment in provincial economies.
The continued increase in international flight frequencies and the rebound in the country's regional tourism are attributed to the Government's sustained investment in airport modernisation and connectivity under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).

Statistics:

Total visitors rose to 612,695 from 501,275 in the first quarter, representing a 22.2 percent increase.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport recorded a 13.9 percent rise in passengers.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo saw a 16.5 percent increase in visitor traffic.
Victoria Falls International Airport recorded a 48.4 percent surge in passengers.
The volume of goods transported by rail surged to 548,687 net tonnes, a 56.2 percent rise from 351,160 tonnes in the first quarter.
The agricultural sector led the charge with an extraordinary 655.1 percent increase, as tonnage jumped from 27,798 tonnes to 209,904 tonnes.
The energy and mining sector grew by 35.2 percent, from 211,413 tonnes to 285,782 tonnes.

Sources:

Second Quarter 2025 Transport Statistics Report, ZimStat.
AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).