Zambia is examining opportunities to strengthen its role in regional air connectivity and may offer new routing options that could complement existing networks in southern Africa.
The recent land-linked Zambia Summit brought together aviation stakeholders to discuss the development of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and the aviation sector introducing Zambia.
While more established hubs such as Tambo International in South Africa, Bole International in Ethiopia, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya and Kigali International Airport in Rwanda dominate the aviation landscape in Africa, Zambia is strategically positioned by leveraging its geographical location and implementing reforms across the transport sector.
During the summit, Vincent Banda, director of Zambia's ground operations, cargo and catering, said:
The country is focusing on reducing operating costs and mitigating regulatory challenges that have historically hindered local airlines. During the discussion, Mr. Banda identified excessive airport taxes and manageable fees as serious issues affecting competitiveness.
“In our area, ticket taxes and handling costs are very high. We need reviews to make our local airlines competitive,” he explained.
Data presented at the summit revealed that Zambia's airport revenues currently rely heavily on aviation services, accounting for 87% of revenue, but global best practices suggest that non-aviation revenues should form at least 40% of airport revenues. This imbalance affects the cost of operating an airline, thus passing higher prices to consumers.
For the benefit of South Africa's aviation and tourism, Zambia's development connectivity creates potential new options for regional travel. Zambia has a central geographical location adjacent to eight countries, and could link traffic between various points in southern Africa and destinations further north or east.
Improved safety is strengthening Zambia's position. Following the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety audit, ZCAA achieved an effective implementation rating of 72.94%, surpassing the regional average. The country is currently preparing for future security audits, and it is expected that improved qualifications will enhance its appeal to international passengers and investors.
Currently, Proflight connects Lusaka, Johannesburg and Cape Town with Livingston. These existing connections provide the foundation for potentially enhanced regional connectivity.
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics is considering policy options to improve competitiveness, including discussions with agencies such as the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) on aviation fuel pricing. These arguments are consistent with broader continental initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) framework.
For South African travelers and businesses benefiting regional benefits, improving connectivity in Zambia could reduce travel time to specific destinations while providing alternative routing options during peak periods or interruptions.
