18 Nov 2019

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) has partnered with Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) to develop a landside at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

In his State-of-the-Nation Address on November 18, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the partnership would create value from the approximately 573 hectares of land and further achieve the expectations of the CAAB Act of 2011 of becoming financially viable.

Dr Masisi said upon completion of the open skies policy, Botswana would add significantly to the growth of the aviation industry, adding that the scheduled services would expand connectivity to three destinations being Victoria Falls, Harare and Lusaka.

The President further said in mid-December, Qatar Airways would also start flying into the country, in addition to the already operating five carriers being Air Botswana, Air Namibia, Ethiopian Airways, SA Airlink and South African Express.

He said Mack Airline had also been licensed by CAAB to carry out scheduled services between Maun and Windhoek and Between Kasane and Victoria Falls.

Air Botswana, he said, was still awaiting the Foreign Operators Permit (FOP) from the governments of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia to facilitate operation of three purchased aircrafts.

On roads development, President Masisi said a feasibility study was being undertaken for construction of dilapidated Nata-Maun road which would ultimately pave way for upgrading of the road in the next financial year.

Dr Masisi said government would also design and reconstruct A3 road from Francistown to Nata and Maun-Mohembo as wel as some sections of Nata/Kazungula road and the Palapye-Martins Drift road. Ends