At the recent Land-Linked Zambia Summit, aviation industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Proflight Zambia, and various other contributors, engaged in a panel discussion on the nation’s ambitious plan to transform its aviation sector into a competitive hub within Africa.
The concept of aviation hubs has gained prominence as African airlines expand their networks to foster connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the continent. Advocates argue that establishing a robust hub can attract increased passenger flows, facilitate trade, and boost tourism.
“Proflight Zambia continues to keenly promote Zambia as a hub with the network we currently have and are still developing,” said Vincent Banda, Proflight Zambia’s Director of Ground Operations, Cargo, and Catering, during the summit.
While more established hubs such as OR 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 positioning itself by leveraging its geographical location and implementing reforms and investments across its transport sector.
The nation is focused on reducing operating costs and easing regulatory challenges that have historically hindered local airlines, which Mr Banda, during the discussions, identified among others as high operating costs—such as excessive airport taxes and handling fees —as critical issues.
“The ticket taxes and handling costs are very high in our region. We need a review to make our local airlines competitive,” he explained.
Several industry players also noted other hurdles such as inflexible regulatory frameworks to be significant barriers. For instance, discussions at the summit revealed that Zambia’s current airport revenue relies heavily on aeronautical services, accounting for 87%, whereas the global best practice suggests non-aeronautical revenue should form at least 40% of income. This imbalance compels airlines to pass on costs to consumers.
Safety and security remain paramount in fostering both investor and consumer confidence. Following the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Safety Audit, the ZCAA achieved a 72.94% effective implementation rating—surpassing the regional average. With preparations underway for an upcoming security audit, industry experts affirm that Zambia’s improved safety record will significantly enhance its appeal to international passengers and investors.
Government policies play a pivotal role in realising the aviation hub vision. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics, in collaboration with industry leaders and the ZCAA, is examining measures such as tax reviews, regulatory reforms, and initiatives to lower aviation fuel prices. Efforts include discussions with bodies like the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to mitigate high fuel costs. Furthermore, the summit underscored the importance of aligning national policies with African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) initiatives to support the liberalisation of air transport across the continent.
The Land-Linked Zambia Summit serves as a vital platform for discourse, uniting stakeholders to confront both challenges and opportunities within the aviation sector. By fostering dialogue among key participants—from the private sector to government bodies—the summit emphasised a shared commitment to overcoming regulatory and operational obstacles and capitalising on the potential of the expanding African aviation market.
While challenges persist, Zambia’s proactive approach to tackling high operating costs, regulatory hurdles, and safety standards points to a promising trajectory towards establishing a dynamic aviation hub. Stakeholders are now calling for prompt and comprehensive policy reforms to empower local carriers, invigorate the sector, and pave the way for sustainable growth and enhanced regional connectivity.
