Harare International Airport has been renamed to Robert Gabriel Mugabe international Airport in honor of President Robert Mugabe.
Officially accepting the honor on Thursday, Mugabe said his government remains committed to improving the aviation industry through putting in place measure that will enhance the growth of the sector.
He said “The Air Transport plays a pivotal role in the growth of the economy as it links the country to regional and intentional markets that promote cooperation.
“Government remains committed to fully support this sector and we have lined up various projects that will see the boom in the aviation industry.
“The renaming of the Harare International Airport to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is likely to open new avenues for our air industry thereby promoting development,” said Mugabe.
President Mugabe noted that a number surprises were lined up to make sure the airport which receives more than 500 000 visitors per year, competes with other leading airports in the world.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Joram Gumbo told delegates who attended the renaming ceremony that they are in negotiations with China Exim-Bank to fund the upgrading and extension of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, as the country continue to pursue construction of new infrastructure to spur economic growth.
The Robert Gabriel Mugabe airport is set to join the ranks of Joshua Nkomo International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport that have been upgraded in the past five years.
The upgrade in the case of Victoria Falls has seen an increase in direct flights to the resort town with the airport now accommodate wide-bodied long haul aircraft.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Dr Joram Gumbo hailed the renaming and expansion of the airport as a step in the right direction as the country continues to struggle to lure foreign direct investment.
Minister of State for Harare Province, Miriam Chikukwa said the province was honored to have an airport named after an African icon.
“This is a welcome development for our Province and we are honored to have the name of an African Icon on the airport, which is gateway to the rest of the world.
“We believe this will go a long way in inspiring young generations to follow in his excellency’s footsteps,” she said.
Commissioned in 1956 and officially opened on 5 February 1957, Salisbury Airport has grown to be one of the best airports in the southern region with more 50 000 visitors coming through each year.
Harare International Airport is located 15 kilometers south of Harare City, the capital of Zimbabwe. It is the main gateway into Zimbabwe and alternate entry point into Central and Southern Africa.
It boasts of a terminal building which is 12 years old.
Taxiway rehabilitation has been completed whilst works on the runway are in progress. The Runway is 4725 meters long and 46 meters wide.
The renaming of Harare International Airport comes after several attempts to have the airport renamed were halted in the past.
