THE refurbishment and modernisation of Buffalo Range Airport in Chiredzi to extend the taxiway are in full swing, with authorities saying they will meet the deadline.
According to Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), the ongoing works are being carried out by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and are expected to be completed next month.
The refurbishment involves upgrading the taxiway and apron, complementing earlier improvements made to the runway in 2021.
ACZ public relations and communications manager Tonderai Mangombe confirmed that the current phase is focused on ensuring safe and efficient aircraft operations.
“As ACZ, we are happy that the government is refurbishing the taxiway for Buffalo Range International Airport,” he said.
“The runway was successfully refurbished in 2021 and this phase focuses on completing the taxiway and apron to ensure safe aircraft operations.”
He added that Buffalo Range Airport, which ranks as the fourth busiest in Zimbabwe, handled up to 20 aircraft a day, including local and international flights.
Plans are underway to extend the runway from 1,6 kilometres to four kilometres, a development proposed by the Malilangwe Trust.
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“This extension will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, allowing private and international planes to land directly at Buffalo Range Airport without connecting through Harare or Johannesburg,” Mangombe explained.
The airport serves as a strategic gateway to the South Eastern Lowveld, connecting major wildlife conservancies such as Save Valley and Malilangwe, as well as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans across Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.
Beyond tourism, Buffalo Range Airport also plays a crucial role in supporting regional economic activities.
