Harare International Airport: A Regional Jewel Takes Shape

The Harare International Airport (image source)

Reporter

Once derided as outdated and inefficient, Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has undergone a remarkable transformation that is changing perceptions at home and abroad. The US$200 million upgrade, financed largely through Chinese partnerships under the Belt and Road Initiative, has turned the airport into a modern facility capable of handling six million passengers annually.

Step inside the terminal today and the difference is striking: sleek check-in counters, automated baggage systems, glass-fronted boarding gates, and expanded duty-free shopping. For travellers accustomed to delays and cramped facilities, it feels like stepping into a new era.

On social media, Zimbabweans have not hidden their pride. “This feels like Nairobi or Johannesburg, not Harare,” one returning student posted. Another traveller wrote: “Finally, our capital has an airport that reflects who we are as a people. I was proud walking through those gates.”

The upgrade is more than cosmetic. By expanding capacity and improving efficiency, the airport positions Harare as a potential aviation hub for Southern Africa. Already, airlines from Asia and the Middle East are considering new routes, citing the facility’s modern standards. Air Zimbabwe, though still struggling, has announced plans to acquire new aircraft to take advantage of the infrastructure.

Tourism is another big winner. Zimbabwe relies heavily on Victoria Falls and wildlife parks to attract visitors. A world-class airport gateway makes the country more attractive to high-end tourists and investors alike. Travel operators have welcomed the changes, arguing that first impressions matter — and for years, Harare’s old terminal was a national embarrassment.

Critics, however, warn that infrastructure alone is not enough. Efficient management, competitive pricing, and strong marketing are essential to ensure the airport does not become a “white elephant.” Corruption, poor customer service, or mismanagement could easily erode the gains.

Still, there is no denying the progress. In a country where many state projects stall or under-deliver, the new airport is a rare example of tangible, world-class development. For once, Zimbabweans can point to an achievement that puts their nation on the continental map.

As global competition for tourism and investment intensifies, Harare’s upgraded airport is more than just a building — it is a symbol of possibility. If managed wisely, it could become the beating heart of Zimbabwe’s reconnection with the world.