Times Of Swaziland: PM’S DREAM OF FLIGHT ROUTE OUTSIDE OF AFRICA BY 2029

PM’S DREAM OF FLIGHT ROUTE OUTSIDE OF AFRICA BY 2029
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Ntombi Mhlongo on 12/01/2025 08:03:00


MBABANE – Is it possible that come end of 2029, the Kingdom of Eswatini will
have secured a viable international route with direct flights outside of Africa?
And is this even possible when the country’s national airline, Eswatini Air,
is yet to achieve financial stability and break even? These questions arise from
the fact that this is a plan that is contained in the Government Programme of
Action (PoA) which has been produced by the Office of the Prime Minister,
Russell Mmiso Dlamini.
In the document, it is reflected that one of the policy strategies and key
deliverables of government is fostering viable international routes with direct
flights identified, negotiated and secured, one outside of Africa and two within
Africa. In terms of outcomes and benefits, the document states that the plan is
to ensure availability of affordable and cost-effective international routes
with direct flights from Eswatini. Also, the plan, as detailed in the document,
is to ensure an increase in international travel to and from Eswatini.
In terms of delivery time, the document reflects that this is expected to happen
between the financial years 2026 and 2029. The funding that will have to be
raised for the project has been set at E150 million and the funding mechanism
will be through the private sector, and this will be led by the Ministry of
Public Works and Transport.
Still on aviation, the document states that about E200 million will have to be
raised to facilitate the upgrading of the King Mswati III International Airport
at Sikhuphe in order to allow it to host international airlines. Government also
plans to improve the Eswatini aviation industry and ensure that the country’s
national airline, Eswatini Air, is aggressively marketed. While the idea of an
international route would be good for the country, critics of the Government PoA
have said that it might be a dream that will take years to achieve.