VICTORIA FALLS, Aug. 2 (NewsDay Live) — Fastjet Zimbabwe’s recently introduced Airbus A320-200 made its maiden landing at Victoria Falls International Airport on Sunday in a move expected to increase passenger capacity on key regional routes.
The 168-seat aircraft will be deployed on the Harare-Johannesburg and Victoria Falls-Johannesburg routes, expanding capacity as demand for regional travel and tourism continues to grow.
Government welcomed the arrival of the aircraft, describing it as a significant development for Zimbabwe’s aviation sector and broader efforts to improve regional connectivity.
“Zimbabwe has reached another defining milestone in its aviation transformation with the arrival of the Fastjet Airbus A320-200 at Victoria Falls International Airport,” the government said in a statement.
The larger aircraft is expected to improve passenger mobility while supporting tourism, business travel, trade and investment between Zimbabwe and regional markets.
“With the capacity to accommodate up to 168 passengers, the Airbus A320-200 will significantly enhance Fastjet Zimbabwe’s operations through daily services on the Harare-Johannesburg and Victoria Falls-Johannesburg routes,” the statement said.
Government said the increased capacity would particularly benefit Victoria Falls, one of the country’s premier tourism destinations, by improving accessibility for regional visitors.
“The expanded capacity is expected to improve passenger mobility, stimulate tourism, facilitate business travel, and strengthen trade and investment linkages across the region,” it said.
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The aircraft’s arrival comes as Zimbabwe continues investing in transport infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic growth.
Government linked the development to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s infrastructure programme, saying it reinforced efforts to position Zimbabwe as a competitive regional aviation hub.
“This achievement reflects the visionary leadership of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, whose infrastructure-led development agenda continues to position Zimbabwe as a competitive regional aviation hub,” the statement said.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said it remained committed to developing a modern and integrated aviation sector capable of supporting economic transformation and regional integration.
“The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development remains steadfast in advancing a modern, efficient and integrated aviation ecosystem that accelerates economic transformation, deepens regional integration and propels the nation towards the attainment of Vision 2030,” the statement said.
The additional capacity is expected to provide a boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors while strengthening Zimbabwe’s air links with Johannesburg, one of southern Africa’s busiest commercial gateways.
