LUSAKA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Zambian airports witnessed a remarkable surge in passenger traffic in 2023, with a total of 2,056,312 passengers recorded, marking the highest figure since 1989, a government agency that manages airports said on Wednesday.
The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited said this figure reflects a 24 percent increase compared to the 1,653,077 passengers recorded in 2022.
Mweembe Sikaulu, the agency's communications and brand manager, attributed the increase to the complete removal of COVID-19 requirements and sporting events held in the country as well as hosting of international meetings and conferences.
She told reporters during a press briefing that the resumption of flights by some airlines that had suspended operations in Zambia and the introduction of new routes by local airlines also played a role in boosting passenger numbers.
She added that domestic passenger numbers also rebounded significantly, marking a 140 percent increase, with all airports surpassing pre-COVID-19 passenger levels, thanks to competitive pricing offered by domestic airlines. Additionally, cargo and mail haulage experienced growth, rising by 8.9 percent to 18,054 tonnes compared to 16,570 tonnes in 2022.
According to the spokesperson, the agency expects continued growth in general passenger traffic in 2024 driven by trade and tourism at all airports. ■