New Copperbelt airport gets green light

Zambia has submitted the final plans on the $400-million Copperbelt International Airport and construction of the airport is expected to commence soon in Ndola, the country’s third largest city. The proposed project is set to revolutionise infrastructure development in Zambia.

The new airport, which is the only international airport to be built in Zambia in more than three decades, will consist of plane hangars, rest rooms, a fire station, office blocks, restaurants, waiting rooms, laundry facilities, service shops, kiosks and car parks, amongst other facilities and amenities.

The new airport is expected to improve air travel to and from the mineral-rich Copperbelt Province, and will contribute to the economy through increased revenue generation and industrial development. It will also reduce poverty through job creation, promotion of capacity building and skills development among the locals.

Meanwhile, the expansion and modernisation of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is progressing well, with construction of a new rescue and fire services facility expected to be completed during the course of the year.

The Zambian government also plans to implement a Smart Airports System (SAS) at all of the international airports to enhance efficiency in airport operations. The system has already been implemented at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula and Kenneth Kaunda Airport and plays an integral part of modern airport operations.