Zimbabwe Plans Major Upgrade of Charles Prince Airport, Enhancing Regional Air Connectivity
Zimbabwe’s government has announced a significant move to transform Charles Prince Airport, located just outside Harare, into the country’s fourth international gateway. This strategic upgrade will position Charles Prince alongside the nation’s existing international airports—Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls—strengthening Zimbabwe’s aviation infrastructure and signaling new opportunities for the country’s tourism and trade sectors.
As part of this ambitious vision, authorities have already set aside over 300 additional hectares of land for the airport’s expansion. The planned development will enable Charles Prince Airport to accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft, supporting increased passenger and cargo volumes. This is a cornerstone initiative within Zimbabwe’s broader USD 88 million national airport modernization programme, a multi-phase effort designed to deliver world-class aviation facilities and services across the country.
For Africa’s travel industry, the expansion of Charles Prince Airport is a development with far-reaching implications. By adding a new international hub to the country’s network, Zimbabwe aims to boost tourism, promote trade, and catalyze economic growth. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to make Harare and its surrounds more accessible to both regional and long-haul traffic, directly benefitting travel operators, DMCs, and hospitality providers seeking to tap into new visitor flows and business opportunities.
This project reflects the continent-wide trend of investing in airport modernization to meet rising demand and international standards. With the inclusion of infrastructure to handle large aircraft, Charles Prince Airport is poised to attract new airlines and routes, diversify Zimbabwe’s inbound markets, and provide alternative entry points for international travelers. This is particularly relevant as African aviation continues to rebound, and as governments prioritize connectivity as a driver for sustainable economic recovery.
Zimbabwe’s airport upgrade also aligns with efforts to provide seamless travel experiences—critical for attracting high-value tourism and facilitating efficient business operations. As facilities are enhanced and capacity increases, stakeholders across the African travel trade can anticipate improved passenger handling, faster cargo processing, and expanded ancillary services. These upgrades stand to bolster the nation’s reputation as a gateway for both adventure seekers exploring Zimbabwe’s natural wonders and for investors looking to engage with the country’s growing markets.
Looking ahead, the transformation of Charles Prince Airport is set to reshape Zimbabwe’s aviation landscape and empower travel professionals to offer more flexible, convenient, and competitive options to their clients. The ripple effects of this investment will be felt not only within Zimbabwe, but across Southern Africa, as the region’s air transport network becomes increasingly robust and internationally aligned.
