Airports Upgraded, Routes Expanded


Government says major infrastructure projects and new air routes strengthen Zambia’s aviation sector.

By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia – 25 November 2025

The Zambian aviation sector achieved major milestones in 2025, including hosting the Single African Air Transport Market Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM PIP), expanding bilateral air service agreements, upgrading key airports, and strengthening safety and regulatory oversight, developments that are positioning the country as a regional aviation hub, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says.

Speaking at the Annual Aviation Stakeholders Meeting at Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Tuesday, CAA Director General Captain Derrick Luembe said the sector’s progress reflects Zambia’s growing role in continental and global aviation.

“One of our most significant milestones this year was hosting the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project in August. This demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to continental air connectivity,” Captain Luembe said. 

He added that the initiative is expected to open more than 20 new intra-African routes by 2028, reduce travel costs, boost tourism and trade, and create jobs across the aviation sector.

During the ICAO Air Services Negotiation event in the Dominican Republic in November, Zambia expanded its bilateral air service agreements, creating a regulatory foundation for new air links to strengthen continental and global connectivity. 

The CAA also hosted the ICAO regional workshop on revised Annex 14 Obstacle Limitation Surfaces, which brought participants from over 13 African states and highlighted Zambia’s growing expertise in aviation regulation.

Captain Luembe highlighted government investments in airport infrastructure. Contractors have been appointed for the construction of Nakonde Greenfield Airport, while major upgrades are underway at Mfuwe International and Chipata airports. 

These projects are expected to improve operational efficiency, support tourism, and enhance regional accessibility.

He also emphasized preparations for the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) in 2026, describing it as a key test of Zambia’s aviation security standards.

 Measures include updates to the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, enhanced AVSEC training, improved screening technologies, and strengthened coordination across state agencies.

Zambia has also been selected to host the 2026 Africa and Indian Ocean Aviation System Planning Group (AASPG) Meeting, reflecting confidence in the country’s regulatory and technical capabilities.

Captain Luembe concluded by urging stakeholders to maintain open communication and active participation in regulatory, safety, and security initiatives. “Together, we can build an aviation system that is safe, efficient, and globally respected,” he said.

And speaking at the same event Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali, represented by Permanent Secretary Frederick Mwalusaka, said the government is modernizing infrastructure, enhancing safety, and improving air transport efficiency.


PS Mwalusaka said Zambia is transforming from a “landlocked” to a “landlinked” country, using aviation to connect internally and with neighbouring nations. 

He emphasized that aviation is a national priority under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and Vision 2030 and is key to economic diversification.

He said passenger and cargo volumes have increased across Zambian airports, reflecting a rebound in air travel and trade. Safety oversight has been upgraded to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. 

The rehabilitation of Mfuwe International Airport is underway to improve domestic travel and tourism.

PS Mwalusaka highlighted investments in Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems, which enhance flight tracking, efficiency, and safety. 

He said a regulatory framework for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) now governs drone operations in mapping, delivery, mining, energy, and agriculture.


He added that Zambia chairs the ICAO African Flight Procedures Programme (AFPP) and signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Eswatini, expanding regional connectivity. 

Participation in the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal reinforced Zambia’s role in shaping aviation safety, sustainability, and open skies policies in Africa.

Zambia scored 72.94% in the 2024 ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme. PS Mwalusaka said preparations for the next ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) include new screening infrastructure, revised procedures, and personnel training.

He said the National Aviation Skills Pipeline is developing capacity in Air Traffic Management, aviation engineering, and STEM education. 

A Feasibility Study for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has been launched, and new airport designs now include climate resilience measures.

PS Mwalusaka officially opened the 2025 Annual Civil Aviation Stakeholders Meeting, calling for collaboration between government, regulators, private operators, and innovators. 

“The success of Zambia’s aviation sector depends on unity of purpose,” he said.


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