Harare international airport, a Central-Southern Africa hub in waiting or opportunity lost

Abstract

Literature review on airline hubs generally conclude that the establishment of hubs results in economic benefits for the country and to the carriers whose home base is the airport in question. There has been no literature review on airline hubs done in Zimbabwe to date. This research thus aims at filling that gap by investigating the challenges that could be faced in establishing a hub at Harare International Airport. This research findings are aimed at benefiting the aviation industry, the country, the national carrier (Air Zimbabwe) and the academic community. The study was a case study based on a research done on Harare International Airport (HIA) Face to face interviews using unstructured questions were held with Airport Managers, Managers of Foreign Airlines, Former Air Zimbabwe Managers, Ministry Officials in the Transport and Tourism Ministries. The data that was collected using a qualitative research methodology and then analysed using Data Displays and content analysis tables. The study concluded that HIA has limited success in becoming a successful hub due to the poor local economic environment and the absence of a strong hub carrier with global alliances. The other challenges highlighted were perceived interference from the government in running the airport and negative perception the world holds about Zimbabwe, In view of the conclusion, this research recommends that government as the major shareholder, should address the negative perception held by the world, invest in Harare International Airport infrastructure and technology to keep up with global trends, capacitate the national carrier and relax regulatory framework which incorporates adopting an open skies policy and participating in a uni-visa regime with neighbouring countries.