Zambia Positions Itself For Prominent Role In Developing African Aviation Hubs

Zambia is examining opportunities to enhance its role in regional air connectivity, potentially offering new routing options that could complement existing networks across southern Africa. The recent Land-Linked Zambia Summit brought together aviation stakeholders including the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and Proflight Zambia to discuss the country's aviation sector development. While more established hubs such as OR Tambo International in South Africa, Bole International in Ethiopia, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya and Kigali International Airport in Rwanda dominate the aviation landscape in Africa, Zambia is strategically positioning itself by leveraging its geographical location and implementing reforms across its transport sector. "Proflight Zambia continues to keenly promote Zambia as a hub with the network we currently have and are still developing," said Vincent Banda, Proflight Zambia's Director of Ground Operations, Cargo, and Catering, during the summit. The nation is focused on reducing operating costs and easing regulatory challenges that have historically hindered local airlines. During discussions, Mr Banda identified excessive airport taxes and handling fees as critical issues affecting competitiveness. "The ticket taxes and handling costs are very high in our region. We need a review to make our local airlines competitive," he explained. Data presented at the summit revealed that Zambia's airport revenue currently relies heavily on aeronautical services, accounting for 87% of income, whereas global best practice suggests non-aeronautical revenue should form at least 40% of airport revenue. This imbalance affects airline operating costs and consequently passes higher prices to consumers. For South African aviation and tourism interests, Zambia's developing connectivity creates potential new options for regional travel. With its central geographic location bordering eight countries, Zambia could potentially serve connecting traffic between various points in southern Africa and destinations further north or east. Safety improvements are strengthening Zambia's position. Following the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Safety Audit, the ZCAA achieved a 72.94% effective implementation rating - surpassing the regional average. The country is now preparing for an upcoming security audit, with improved credentials expected to enhance appeal to international passengers and investors. Currently, Proflight connects Lusaka with Johannesburg and Cape Town with Livingstone. These existing connections provide a foundation for potential enhanced regional connectivity. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics is examining policy options to improve competitiveness, including discussions with bodies like the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) regarding aviation fuel pricing - a significant cost factor for all regional carriers. These discussions align with broader continental initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) framework. For South African travellers and businesses with regional interests, any improvements in Zambian connectivity could potentially reduce travel times to certain destinations while offering alternative routing options during peak periods or disruptions.