Zimbabwe Clinches Eight New Aviation Deals at ICAN 2025 Conference
Zimbabwe has made significant progress in expanding its international aviation footprint.
The country clinched eight new air service agreements during this year’s International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025), held in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republi
The deals form part of the Government’s ongoing strategy to open the country’s skies to more global players.
Also Read: Air Zimbabwe Introduces Daily Harare–Mutare Flights
MoUs and BASAs Signed with Multiple Countries
Led by Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe, the Zimbabwean delegation signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Argentina, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, and Ghana.
In addition, Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) were concluded with Ethiopia and The Gambia, creating legally binding frameworks allowing designated airlines to operate passenger and cargo flights into Zimbabwe.
Code-Sharing and Airline Cooperation on the Agenda
The newly signed agreements pave the way for expanded collaboration between foreign and local airlines, particularly through potential code-sharing partnerships.
This would allow seamless connections between international routes and Zimbabwean destinations, boosting both tourism and trade.
Talks with South Africa and Egypt to Improve Operations
Beyond the signed deals, Zimbabwe held targeted discussions with South Africa and Egypt to address operational issues raised by airlines. The goal is to improve service efficiency, streamline processes, and remove bottlenecks affecting regional air travel.
Tourism Boost Through New Partnerships
Eng Makumbe also used the opportunity to propose joint tourism packages with the Dominican Republic, an initiative expected to grow visitor numbers in both countries. The move aligns with Zimbabwe’s goal of leveraging air connectivity to stimulate tourism-driven economic growth.
Aviation Growth Tied to National Development Strategy
The expanding aviation network is a key element of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which identifies air transport as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and investment.
The Government is already upgrading airport infrastructure across the country to support increased traffic and meet global aviation standards.
Major Airlines Already Showing Interest
Zimbabwe’s aviation reforms have continued to attract interest from leading international carriers, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways, all of which now operate routes to the country. The new agreements are expected to draw even more airlines in the near future.
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The post Zimbabwe Expands Global Air Connectivity with Eight New Aviation Deals appeared first on iHarare News.
