Zambia Airports Corporation Limited says it is implementing a broad infrastructure expansion programme aimed at strengthening passenger and cargo handling capacity across the country as part of efforts to position Zambia as a regional aviation and logistics hub.
The corporation said key projects in the pipeline include the upgrade of the fuel farm at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport under a public-private partnership build-operate-transfer model. The project will double fuel storage capacity to three million litres and integrate with the existing hydrant system to improve operational efficiency.
ZACL is also developing an Airport City at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, focused on attracting logistics, commercial and hospitality investments.
Among the major projects underway is the upgrade of Mfuwe International Airport, which includes a new runway, taxiway, apron expansion and modern airfield systems at a cost of about K2 billion.
The corporation said the upgrade of Mansa Airport, valued at about K740 million, is expected to be completed in 2026, while the development of Nakonde Airport has been budgeted at approximately K2.8 million.
In addition, rehabilitation and repair works on taxiways at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, valued at more than K190 million, are progressing well and are scheduled for completion by November 2026.
ZACL said infrastructure investments planned over the next five years will run into billions of kwachas through a blended financing approach involving government funding, public-private partnerships and internally generated resources.
The corporation noted that government funding is supporting regional airport upgrades, including projects at Mansa, Kasama, Chinsali, Nakonde and Choma airports, while commercially viable projects such as fuel infrastructure and Airport City developments are being implemented through PPPs.
Passenger traffic rose from about 2.27 million passengers in 2024 to approximately 2.44 million passengers in 2025, representing a growth of 7.5%, according to ZACL.
The corporation attributed the increase to strong domestic demand, gradual recovery in international travel and improved airline connectivity.
Passenger numbers are projected to reach approximately 2.67 million in 2026, reflecting expected growth of around 10% driven by infrastructure upgrades, route development initiatives and stronger tourism linkages.
However, ZACL warned that risks remain, particularly from the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which has pushed up fuel prices and increased airline operating costs, potentially affecting demand through higher airfares.
The corporation said Zambia is currently served by 15 scheduled domestic, regional and international airlines connecting the country to key regional and global hubs.
ZACL added that it is engaging airlines through its air service development programme to increase frequencies and attract new entrants as infrastructure and market conditions improve.
Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs and Communication, Mwamba Chasaya Siame, said the infrastructure programme aligns with Zambia’s broader economic agenda and includes a strong focus on air cargo development to support trade and export competitiveness.
He said Zambia’s location within the SADC and COMESA regions positions the country to become a regional transit and distribution hub supported by improved airport and cargo infrastructure.
