Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Zim GBC News Editor
Bulawayo – While a bird can effortlessly traverse the 364 kilometres between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, for most Zimbabweans, taking to the skies for this short hop remains a luxury reserved for the wealthy or desperate, despite recent route launches highlighting latent demand.
A Zim GBC News analysis reveals stark realities: a one-way ticket on the Bulawayo-Harare route (approx. 360km) frequently costs over USD 125 when booked late, with round trips exceeding USD 240.
Comparatively, flights covering significantly longer distances in neighbouring South Africa, such as Johannesburg to Durban or even Johannesburg to Cape Town, often retail for less per kilometre, sometimes under USD 80 even last-minute.
“These prices are simply unsustainable for the average citizen,” stated Tariro Moyo, an economist specializing in transport.
“Most of us resort to long, often arduous bus journeys because flying is economically out of the question. It perpetuates a cycle where only a small, affluent segment can fly, forcing airlines to price for that tiny market, further suppressing broader demand.”
Structural Hurdles and Policy Pain Points
Industry insiders point to a complex web of factors keeping fares stubbornly high:
· High Operational Costs: Aviation fuel, maintenance, insurance, and a volatile currency significantly inflate expenses.
· Excessive Charges: Airport fees, government levies, and opaque charges are frequently cited as major burdens. “Many of these fees are used to plug budget gaps elsewhere, but they land squarely on the passenger’s ticket,” explained an airline executive speaking on condition of anonymity. “They punish both the airlines trying to operate and the few passengers willing to pay.”
· Limited Scale & Competition: Fewer passengers and flights make it difficult to spread fixed costs. The market lacks the scale and cut-throat competition seen on South African routes, which drives prices down.
“Five flights a week on a new route is a start, proof of concept,” commented aviation analyst David Nkomo, referring to Fastjet’s new Bulawayo-Victoria Falls service.
“But it’s not a network. Frequent schedules across multiple routes driven by several operators are needed to create real competition and affordable fares. That requires an entire ecosystem working together.”
Flying as Ceremony, Not Commute
Years of economic strain have fundamentally altered the perception of domestic air travel. “Flying has become ceremonial,” noted travel agent Susan Chikomo.
“It’s for emergencies, major business deals, or as an indulgence. The potential traveller pool has shrunk dramatically, and airlines have no choice but to price for that reality.”
Calls for Fundamental Change: Aviation as Infrastructure
There is a growing chorus demanding a paradigm shift, treating aviation as essential national infrastructure rather than a revenue stream.
· Review Fees & Levies: “Fees that punish airlines and passengers must be reviewed urgently,” insisted Moyo. “Transparency on airport charges is also critical.”
· Strategic Investment: “Targeted subsidies for key strategic routes aren’t charity; they are investments in connectivity and economic growth,” argued Nkomo. “Many nations support essential air services until markets stabilise. Why should our roads and railways be built with public money, but aviation left entirely to the private sector struggling against these headwinds?”
· Boost Efficiency & Competition: Airports are urged to cut hidden charges and improve turnaround times. “Every minute a plane sits idle costs money. Lower those costs, and airlines can price more competitively,” the airline executive added. Regulators are also called upon to streamline processes for new entrants, particularly low-cost and regional carriers.
· Private Sector Partnerships: Opportunities exist for tour operators, hotels, and local councils to bundle flights with packages, creating predictable demand blocks that give airlines confidence to add frequencies or reduce fares.
The Safety Imperative
Beyond economics, there’s a compelling safety argument. The long road between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls is notoriously hazardous.
“A safe, quick, and affordable flight isn’t just convenient; it saves lives,” emphasized Chikomo.
“That alone should spur action.”
Fastjet: A Sign of Hope, But More Needed
While the launch of Fastjet’s Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route (USD 135 one-way) demonstrates demand exists outside the Harare hub, stakeholders agree it’s merely a first step.
“Fastjet proves a city outside Harare can sustain meaningful flights,” said Nkomo.
“But true revolution needs more routes, more players, transparent fees, and policies that finally see aviation as a public good enabling national progress.”
The ultimate goal, commentators stress, is for affordable domestic air travel to become the norm, not the headline-grabbing exception.
The sky above Zimbabwe, they argue, should be a common road for all its people, not merely a luxury lane for the privileged few.
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