Govt Reverses Closure of Mfuwe International Airport to Avoid Tourism Disruptions

The Zambian Government has announced that Mfuwe International Airport will remain open, reversing an earlier decision to close the airport for rehabilitation.

The initial closure, scheduled to take effect on 13th June 2024, was intended to facilitate comprehensive upgrades to the airport’s infrastructure.

However, the government reconsidered this decision following significant concerns from key stakeholders in the tourism industry.

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Museba Tayali, emphasized the need to avoid disruptions that would negatively impact the tourism sector.

“While the rehabilitation works of the Airport are well-intentioned, the temporary closure would cause serious disruptions to the operations of the tourism industry,” Minister Tayali stated.

In light of these concerns, Minister Tayali has directed that the necessary rehabilitation works be carried out without interrupting airport operations.

The planned upgrades include improvements to the inner perimeter fence, a complete upgrade of the runway, and enhancements to the apron.

The Zambia Airports Corporations Limited (ZACL) had previously communicated the planned closure to facilitate these upgrades.

However, the decision has been adjusted to ensure the tourism industry, a vital component of Zambia’s economy, continues to function smoothly.