Mozambique’s Civil Aviation Authority has reported significant progress in improving safety standards across the country’s aviation sector. The authority highlights one of its major achievements as the steady recovery of the air transport sector post-COVID-19.
The sector is gradually recovering, with increasing traffic for both cargo and passengers.
Mozambique anticipates further growth in the aviation sector and enhanced intra-African connectivity following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
The country has aligned its air services agreements with the provisions of the Doha Declaration, covering nine of the fifteen African states concerned. Additionally, Mozambique is reviewing all existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with African nations, ensuring that the revised agreements fully comply with the Yamoussoukro Decision.
The authority has also launched a draft master plan for the country’s aviation system from 2025 to 2037, aiming to strengthen aviation opportunities within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The plan, funded by the World Bank, will cost USD 380 million under the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project, focusing on the development of the Beira corridor in Sofala province and the Nacala corridor in Nampula province.
The project also aims to reduce trade and transport costs and increase private investment along these corridors, benefiting both Mozambique and Malawi.
The Authority’s Chairman, João de Abreu, stated that this long-term strategic plan is crucial for Mozambique to achieve its aviation development goals, particularly given its membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
According to de Abreu, the master plan will lay out a strategy for phased civil aviation sector reform, leading to the implementation of sound aviation policies, laws, and regulations. It will also establish programmes, methodologies, processes, and projects to ensure capacity building, enhanced safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in full alignment with ICAO standards and recommended practices.
Mozambique currently has five international airports, namely:
- Beira International Airport
- Maputo International Airport
- Vilanculos International Airport
- Filipe Jacinto Nyusi (Xai-Xai) Airport
- Nampula International Airport
This continued modernisation and regulatory alignment are expected to boost Mozambique’s aviation sector, ensuring safe, efficient, and internationally compliant air transport operations.
