Reported by: S.Ernest.
Date: 15th January, 2025.
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) wishes to assure the public and stakeholders that Solwezi Airport, a vital aviation hub for North-Western Province, is not facing closure despite recent media reports regarding gully erosion near the facility.
The airport, certified by the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), remains fully operational, with its runway and flight schedules unaffected.
While a developing gully has been identified near the airport, the situation is under control through regular inspections and proactive mitigation measures.
ZACL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics (MTL) and ZCAA, has enlisted the expertise of key stakeholders, including:
The Geological Survey Department under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Hydrologists from the Department of Water Affairs
These specialists conducted thorough assessments of the gully and provided detailed recommendations for addressing the issue.
In 2024, these efforts culminated in the completion of an investigation and engineering designs for remedial works. Implementation of these solutions is scheduled to begin in 2025.
In addition to immediate corrective measures, ZACL has secured land in Solwezi for the development of a new greenfield airport. Preliminary discussions and feasibility studies for this long-term project are currently underway, led by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
ZACL remains dedicated to its strategic goal of achieving aviation safety leadership by maintaining infrastructure that meets international standards.
The corporation is committed to providing safe, efficient and reliable air navigation and airport services, ensuring continued connectivity across Zambia, the region and beyond.
The Managing Director, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Mrs. Ngoza K. Matakala, says the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited was established in 1989 and governed by the Aviation Act No. 5 of 2016.
ZACL develops, maintains and manages Zambia’s four designated international airports namely:
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka)
Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (Ndola)
Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone)
Mfuwe International Airport (Mambwe District)
ZACL also oversees select provincial aerodromes and provides air navigation services within Zambian airspace, reinforcing its commitment to fostering aviation excellence.
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited
Zambia Civil Aviation Authority
The Agency