By Bradley Mhungu
CHIREDZI — Buffalo Range Airport has undergone major airside infrastructure upgrades, strengthening its role as a strategic aviation hub for Zimbabwe’s South Eastern Lowveld and the country’s premier wildlife conservancies.
Located about 10 kilometres northwest of Chiredzi, the airport now boasts a refurbished 1,578-metre bituminous runway, precision-engineered to a width of 30 metres. The upgraded runway is capable of accommodating high-performance aircraft up to the Boeing 737-700 executive series, significantly expanding the airport’s operational capacity.
Authorities confirmed that customs services provided by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and immigration facilities are now available at the airport, enabling it to handle private and non-scheduled charter flights. This development is expected to ease access for investors, tourists and conservation partners operating in the region.
Buffalo Range Airport serves as a critical gateway to the Save Valley, Malilangwe and Gonarezhou conservancies, which collectively form a key part of Zimbabwe’s wildlife heartland. The enhanced aviation infrastructure is anticipated to improve connectivity to these conservation areas, supporting tourism growth, wildlife management operations and regional economic development.
The upgrades align with government efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve access to tourism destinations, while positioning regional airports as enablers of trade, investment and sustainable development.
Relevant stakeholders in the aviation, tourism and conservation sectors have welcomed the developments, citing improved safety standards, operational efficiency and the potential to attract increased air traffic into the Lowveld region.
