Mozambique to build international hubs

MOZAMBIQUE is
contemplating
reducing the country’s
number of international
airports from eight to three,
with only Maputo, Beira and
Nacala airports operating as
international gateways.
This was confirmed by
Mozambican state-run airports
and aeronautical infrastructure
management firm, Aeroportos
de Moçambique (ADM).
Commercial director, Sandra
Ganâncio, told TNW the
proposal to reduce the number
of international airports
was under consultation with
stakeholders of ADM and the
Mozambique Civil Aviation
Authority (IACM – Instituto de
Aviação Civil de Moçambique).
Once the consultations are
concluded, the proposal will
be submitted to government
for approval.
The aim was to create strong
international hubs in the
south, central and northern
regions of Mozambique,
Sandra said. She added
that it would contribute to
the development of national
airlines and air operators,
as the international airports
would be certified by the
International Civil Aviation
Organisation.
The limitation of smaller
airports such as Vilanculos
and Pemba as international
gateways would be disastrous
for tourism, said ceo of
Airlink, Rodger Foster. “Since
airports such as Vilanculos
and Pemba, among others,
have become international
gateways, these destinations
have become far more
accessible and affordable,
leading to infrastructure
development and tourism
growth.”
However, there was no
need to panic just yet as the
process of approval would
take some time, said Natalie
Tenzer-Silva, director of Dana
Tours. She said a source at
the Mozambique Ministry
of Transport assured her
that the reclassification of
Mozambique’s international
airports would take at least
five years.
The Mozambican government
is in the process of creating
a strong international hub so
that intercontinental travellers
to Mozambique no longer
need to fly via OR Tambo
International, the source
said. Also, security could be
better controlled by limiting
international access.