ZIMBABWE has taken a bold step towards improving domestic air connectivity with the launch of a new flight service linking Harare to Beitbridge, one of the country’s busiest border towns and a strategic gateway to the Southern African region.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Government, aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance tourism, and unlock investment opportunities in Matabeleland South.
Operated by Falcon Air under the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida), the service will run at least twice a week, offering passengers a faster and more efficient travel option. The inaugural flight, which took just 1 hour 30 minutes, touched down at Beitbridge Airport at 10:15am yesterday, marking a milestone in Zimbabwe’s aviation sector.
On board were key Government officials, including Michael Musanjika, Acting Deputy Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, and Rida Director-General Christopher Shumba, alongside senior customs officers. They were warmly received by Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution (Matabeleland South), and members of the Beitbridge community.
“This development is expected to boost trade, tourism, and business activities between Harare and Beitbridge, contributing to the country’s economic development. As a province, we are glad that the launch is being held here in Beitbridge, a town that is an economic gateway not only to our nation but to the Southern African region, handling a huge amount of travellers and goods.
“The launch of this new route is, therefore, a recognition of the immense economic potential of the town and province, which is rich in mining, tourism, horticulture, and renewable energy sectors, as well as value addition and beneficiation to a certain extent,” said Dlamini-Maseko.
She urged both local and international investors to seize the opportunity created by Falcon Air’s entry into the skies and explore business prospects in Beitbridge and the wider province.
Musanjika reaffirmed Government’s commitment to upgrading aviation infrastructure across the country, citing recent improvements at Robert Mugabe International Airport, Victoria Falls, Buffalo Range, and Mutare Grand Reef.
He challenged aviation players to leverage these investments and expand their footprint to improve connectivity nationwide.
“As Falcon Air begins servicing this route, I cannot overemphasise just how important it is for you to exhibit the highest level of professionalism and service excellence.
“Many a time we have seen promising ventures flounder on the customer service and reliability fronts while still expecting loyalty from the paying customer. This cannot be a way of doing business,” he stressed.
Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola hailed the development as a game-changer aligned with the town’s transformation into a modern city. He encouraged local businesses to invest in domestic air services to strengthen connectivity and fast-track decision-making.
“The introduction of air transport will ensure that some business and investment decisions are concluded expeditiously, with people now able to travel between Harare and Beitbridge within a short space of time,” he said.
Beitbridge RDC Chief Executive Officer Kiliboni Mbedzi echoed similar sentiments.
“We are happy to be witnessing this milestone development in our area, and we hope to see more investors now able to leverage such a service as we seek to grow our local economy.”
Rida Director-General Christopher Shumba emphasised that Falcon Air’s services will cater to the growing demand for air travel, providing a reliable and efficient option for passengers and cargo operators.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to developing the country’s aviation sector and promoting economic growth,” said Shumba.
