The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited –ZACL- has disclosed that about K300 million (K288 million) was spent on the construction and rehabilitation of the Kasama Airport in the Northern Province of Zambia.
Kasama Airport in Zambia which serves as a major gateway to the northern part of the country has recently undergone a major rehabilitation project to meet international standards.
Responding to an inquiry by the Zambian Business Times –ZBT-, -ZACL- Communications and Brand Manager Mweembe Sikaulu disclosed that the amount involved included construction of the runway, taxiway, apron, perimeter fence, and rehabilitation of the terminal building and other buildings. “Currently, the airport does not have a cargo handling facility. However, there is adequate land for the provision of cargo facilities should the need arise” said Mweembe.
Mweembe told the Zambian Business Times that following the investment, an average of 9,000 passenger movements is expected in 2024 with the expectation of a steady increase of numbers year on year.
She further disclosed that incentives have been offered such as discounts. “We are also in the process of waiving off some fees to develop the route as well as partnering with the Zambia Tourism Agency to attract tourists in the northern circuit in addition to lower passenger fees,” said Sikaulu.
She also emphasized that Northern Province is endowed with numerous tourist attractions ranging from waterfalls, historical and archaeological sites, and cultural ceremonies and is an upcoming business hub which makes a good business case for the airport to attract more traffic. She said the airport has been receiving some ad hoc aircraft since it opened in August 2023 adding that airlines such as Proflight Zambia and Zambia Airways are preparing to start flights during the first quarter of 2024. She disclosed that Proflight Zambia has confirmed scheduled operations to start in March 2024.
Sikaulu further mentioned that the corporation anticipates realizing revenue approximating ZMW 745,000.00 in 2024 which will be a combination of income from Air Navigation Services, Airport Services, and Commercial Services. “Furthermore, note that Kasama Airport’s annual revenue contribution will grow from 2025 as the operations at the airport will be more established,” said Sikaulu. She also noted that the upgrade of Provincial Airports including Kasama Airport is being funded through a Government grant6 hence no repayments will be made by ZACL.
The ZACL Communication and Brand Manager explained that the upgrade of infrastructure for all Provincial Aerodromes is part of the Government’s programme that seeks to improve air transport in the country. She said it is also in line with the Government vision of creating Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) as an air transport hub in the SADC region which requires ease of air connectivity within the country and the region.
“One of the main barriers to attracting airlines at these airports is the poor status of infrastructure which compromises aviation safety and security. Once the airport infrastructure is upgraded, the safety and security profile will be heightened and airlines such as Proflight Zambia and Zambia Airways will be attracted to operate, which will in turn improve air connectivity to spur trade, tourism, and other economic activities across the country’ said Sikaulu.
The rehabilitation of the Kasama Airport is a significant milestone for Zambia’s aviation industry. With its modern facilities and efficient operations, the airport is poised to play a major role in the country’s economic development for years to come.
