Concerns from tourism industry stakeholders have moved the government to reverse its decision to close Mfuwe International Airport for rehabilitation.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali, in response to the urgent concerns raised by tourism industry stakeholders, has announced the reversal of the earlier decision. The stakeholders had argued that the closure, if implemented, would have a detrimental impact on the upcoming high tourism season, a crucial period for the industry.
Tayali has said that rehabilitation works covering runway improvements, the perimeter fence, and apron infrastructure upgrades would now be conducted without interruption to flights and other airport operations.
He acknowledged that the temporary closure would have disrupted tourism operations and shut down tourist activity in the region.
Mfuwe International Airport is located in the middle of the South Luangwa National Game Park, one of the largest national game parks in Zambia. It was opened in the mid-1970s as a domestic airport to service the park and currently serves over 20 lodges and campsites.
Its location makes it convenient for flight connections to most tourist destinations in Zambia and in the region. Presently, there are daily flights from Lusaka and direct flights from Mfuwe to Lilongwe. The airport has the capacity to handle 100,000 passengers per annum.
Main Image: Lusuka Times
