Mozambique is contemplating reducing the country’s number of international airports from eight to three, with only Maputo, Beira and Nacala airports operating as international gateways.

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This was confirmed by Mozambican state-run Airports and Aeronautical Infrastructure Management Firm, Aeroportos de Moçambique (ADM). Commercial Director, Sandra Ganâncio, told Tourism Update the proposal to reduce the number of international airports was under consultation with stakeholders of ADM and the Mozambique Civil Aviation Authority (IACM – Instituto de Aviação Civil de Moçambique). Once the consultations are concluded, the proposal will be submitted to government for approval.

The aim was to create strong international hubs in the south, central and northern regions of Mozambique, Ganâncio said. She added that it would contribute to the development of national airlines and air operators, as the international airports would be certified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The limitation of smaller airports such as Vilanculos and Pemba as international gateways would be disastrous for tourism, said CEO of Airlink, Rodger Foster. “Since airports such as Vilanculos and Pemba, among others, have become international gateways, these destinations have become far more accessible and affordable, leading to infrastructure development and tourism growth.”

However, there was no need to panic just yet as the process of approval would take some time, said Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours. She said a source at the Mozambique Ministry of Transport assured her that the reclassification of Mozambique’s international airports would take at least five years.

The Mozambican government is in the process of creating a strong international hub so that intercontinental travellers to Mozambique no longer need to fly via OR Tambo International, the source said. Also security could be better controlled by limiting international access.