Lusaka–Manzini Route Begins

Direct Flight Cuts Travel Time and Expected to Connect Passengers, Offering Faster, More Convenient Travel and Increasing Visitor Numbers

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (01-04-2026) -- A direct flight from Lusaka to Eswatini’s capital, Manzini, has officially been commissioned, cutting travel time and expected to connect passengers through faster, more convenient travel while increasing visitor numbers between the two countries and across the region.

The launch, described by officials as a historic milestone, comes after years of planning and high-level discussions that began in June 2022 during a state visit by Zambian leaders to Eswatini.

The new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time, eliminate the need for long layovers in third countries, and provide a seamless travel experience for businesspeople, tourists, and students.

Hon. Sikumba

Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, emphasized that the initiative is anchored on opening up the skies and expanding opportunities within the tourism sector.

He said the concept behind the initiative, captured in the tagline “Everyone Must Fly,” reflects a broader vision of making air travel more accessible while unlocking economic potential.

“If you walk through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport today, you see the realization of a vision that connects our people and creates opportunities in tourism, business, and trade,” Sikumba said.

He traced the origins of the project to June 2022, when Zambia engaged Eswatini during a state visit, with both sides committing to establishing a direct air link.

"The discussions, he said, extended beyond aviation to include training opportunities, employment creation, and positioning both countries as competitive tourism and business destinations."

Sikumba noted that the direct route is expected to stimulate tourism by making travel more convenient and attractive.

He stressed that tourism is not only about leisure but also about economic activity, cultural exchange, and job creation.

“Tourism drives the economy, creates employment, and showcases our natural and cultural heritage. This flight is an important piece of that broader strategy,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the route’s role in boosting trade, noting that earlier engagements between the two countries included sharing import lists and exploring financial and currency cooperation.

He said sectors such as agriculture, energy, and commerce stand to benefit from improved connectivity.

“This is not just about moving people. It is about enabling trade, investment, and economic growth. We are creating opportunities for Africans to invest within the continent,” Sikumba said.

Br added that the absence of visa restrictions between Zambia and Eswatini makes the initiative even more impactful.

Hon. Tayali

Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, described the launch as a key step in transforming Kenneth Kaunda International Airport into a regional aviation hub. He said the route will improve efficiency in travel and strengthen regional air connectivity.

“This initiative provides a more efficient alternative for travelers, removing the inconvenience of extended layovers. Air transport connects economies, stimulates tourism, facilitates investment, and supports the movement of goods and people,” Tayali said.

He added that the route aligns with Zambia’s commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market, which seeks to liberalize air travel across the continent.

"The introduction of fifth freedom rights, he said, will allow airlines to operate across multiple destinations, improving regional connectivity and accessibility."

Tayali also called on general sales agents and stakeholders in the aviation sector to expand their focus beyond passenger travel to include cargo and trade opportunities, noting that increased connectivity will translate into job creation and economic growth.

“The socio-economic benefits are clear: increased tourism, stronger trade links, and more employment opportunities for our people,” he said.

Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe

Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, Eswatini’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, described the development as a historic achievement for his country, noting that the new route marks its fifth international destination.

“This is not just about connecting two countries. It is about strengthening regional integration and creating new opportunities for business, tourism, and collaboration,” Ndwandwe said.

He said the direct flight will reduce travel time and provide easier access for travelers between the two nations, while also opening doors to Zambia’s major attractions, including the Victoria Falls and its rich cultural offerings.

Ndwandwe emphasized that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to African solidarity and mutual economic development. He noted that improved connectivity is essential for advancing trade, tourism, and investment across the continent.

“Today, we are not simply launching a flight. We are strengthening relationships, expanding opportunities, and bringing our nations closer together,” he said.

He indicated that the route is expected to drive long-term socio-economic benefits, including increased passenger traffic, growth in tourism arrivals, expansion of trade, and job creation in sectors such as aviation and hospitality.

He stressed the importance of sustaining the route through continued investment in infrastructure, maintaining high safety standards, and ensuring consistent service delivery to meet growing demand.

The Lusaka–Manzini route is seen as a significant step toward enhancing intra-African connectivity, with leaders expressing optimism that similar initiatives will be rolled out across the continent to promote trade and mobility.

With the reduction in travel time and improved convenience, the direct flight is expected to attract more travelers, strengthen business links, and contribute to increased visitor numbers, reinforcing Zambia and Eswatini’s position within the regional tourism and trade network.