PRESS RELEASE ZAMBIA AIPORTS RIDING THE TIDE OF CONTINUOUS GROWTH
Friday 9th August 2024 – In the second quarter of 2024, the aviation industry continued to demonstrate a strong recovery, with global passengers consistently rising above the levels recorded in the previous year, hinting at higher demand for air travel both internationally and domestically.
Zambia’s aviation industry exemplifies the sector’s impressive revival, with a notable increase in passenger traffic. The overall trend remains optimistic, with strong demand for air travel to key business and tourist destinations around the country.
In the quarter under review, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) served 569,658 general passengers across its network of airports, a 15% increase from the 494,110 passengers recorded in Quarter 2 of 2023. International passenger traffic rebounded by 117% in terms of pre COVID-19 recovery and recorded a year-on-year growth of 17% when compared to the same period last year. Domestic passengers recovered by 146% with all airports surpassing pre COVID-19 levels and recorded a year-on-year growth of 11%.
The notable increase in international passenger numbers is attributed to Zambia hosting a range of high-profile international events, such as the Extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika, the Extraordinary Meeting of the Interstate Defence and Security Sub Committee (ISDSC), the Land-Linked Zambia Conference and Exhibition, Aviation Week Africa, the African Land Forces Summit, and the KAZA 2024 Heads of State Summit. These significant gatherings have drawn a diverse array of visitors from around the world, further amplified by a marked rise in leisure tourism, collectively contributing to the surge in passenger numbers.
The increase in domestic passenger performance is primarily driven by competitive pricing on domestic routes, the opening of the Lusaka-Kasama route and the hosting of various events such as the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) AGM in Livingstone
and the Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Ndola. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (SMKIA) recorded the highest recovery of 166% as the Lusaka- Ndola route was the busiest in the period under review.
Also in the same quarter, ZACL airports processed a cumulative total of 5,124 tonnes of cargo and mail, a 23% increase from the 4,166 tonnes recorded in 2023. This volume surpasses the 2019 level of 5,110 tonnes, achieving a recovery rate of 100.3%.
As Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, we are committed to working closely with key industry stakeholders to enhance Zambia’s appeal as a cost-effective and attractive destination. Our focus is on delivering seamless air travel experiences to attract increased business tourism, including meetings and conferences.
STATEMENT ISSUED BY ZACL COMMUNICATIONS AND BRAND MANAGER – MS. MWEEMBE SIKAULU
About Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited was established in 1989 through the amendment of the Aviation Act, Chapter 444 of the Laws of Zambia which has been repealed and replaced by the Aviation Act No. 5 of 2016. It is also incorporated under the Companies Act No. 10 of 2017.
The Corporation’s mandate is to develop, maintain and manage the four designated international airports, namely Kenneth Kaunda in Lusaka, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe in Ndola, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula in Livingstone and Mfuwe, plus select provincial aerodromes and the provision of Air Navigation Services within the Zambian Airspace.
For further information contact:
Mweembe Sikaulu (Ms)
Communications and Brand Manager
mweembe.sikaulu@zacl.aero; cell: +26 0964 629463