On 9 October 2025, the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) announced the operationalisation of the Passenger Boarding Bridges, commonly known as Aerobridges, at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (SMKIA) in Ndola.
This milestone follows formal approval by the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) after a series of successful staff training, docking trials, and safety compliance checks conducted over recent months.
The commissioning of these aerobridges represents a major step towards elevating the passenger experience and operational efficiency at SMKIA, in line with ZACL’s vision of providing world-class airport facilities that meet global aviation standards.
Aerobridges are an essential part of modern airport infrastructure, as they improve safety, comfort, and efficiency in passenger boarding and disembarkation. This will lead to faster turnarounds, helping partner airlines manage tight schedules, facilitate smoother passenger movement, and reduce the need for buses and ramp staff for remote boarding. This is in response to passenger growth numbers in the short, medium, and long term.
The SMKIA facility includes:
- One bay capable of accommodating wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300, 787, 767, and Airbus A350/A340; and
- Two bays designed for narrow-bodied aircraft, including the Boeing 737-900, Airbus A319/A320 series, and Embraer E170, E190, and E195.
Speaking at the operationalisation ceremony, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Managing Director Mr Urvesh Desai said: “The commissioning of aerobridges at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport marks another proud moment for Zambia’s aviation sector. This milestone underscores ZACL’s ongoing commitment to enhancing passenger comfort, operational excellence, and airline efficiency in support of the nation’s broader development goals.”
He further noted that the facility aligns with the Government’s infrastructure investment agenda: “We are not only improving airport infrastructure but also strengthening Zambia’s position as a competitive aviation and tourism hub in the region. The aerobridges demonstrate our readiness to handle increasing passenger volumes and diverse aircraft types safely and efficiently.”
Also present at the event, ZCAA Director General, Captain Derrick Luembe, commended Zambia Airports and all stakeholders for the successful launch of the Aerobridge at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, describing it as a key milestone in Zambia’s aviation modernisation efforts.
“The Aerobridge enhances passenger comfort, safety, and accessibility by providing a secure, weather-protected link between aircraft and the terminal, while also improving airline turnaround times, streamlining passenger flow, and strengthening the airport’s status as a modern gateway into Zambia,” Capt. Luembe said.
He said the CAA played a vital regulatory role throughout the project to ensure full compliance with the Zambia Civil Aviation Requirements (ZCARs) and international aviation standards.
“This development aligns with the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which prioritises safety, modernisation, and service excellence. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to continued oversight through regular audits and inspections to ensure the Aerobridge remains safe, functional, and compliant throughout its service life,” he added.
