Zambia Doubles Aviation Fuel Capacity to Meet Rising Air Traffic

By Daily News Reporter 

Zambia is taking a bold step to future-proof its aviation sector with a major fuel infrastructure upgrade at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, as demand for air travel and cargo services continues to rise.

The project, spearheaded by Zambia Airports Corporation Limited in partnership with Puma Energy and TotalEnergies Zambia Limited, will double jet fuel storage capacity from 1.5 million litres to 3 million litres—marking a significant milestone in strengthening Zambia’s aviation ecosystem.

Over the past few years, Zambia’s aviation sector has experienced steady growth, driven by increased passenger numbers, expanding airline routes, and renewed international interest.

Speaking during the official launch of the project Zambia Airports Corporations Limited Managing Director  Mr Urvesh Desai said this growth, while encouraging, has exposed limitations in existing fuel storage and delivery systems.

“While our infrastructure was adequate in the past, it is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of today’s aviation environment,” he said.

Desai explained that limited storage capacity has led to operational constraints, including reduced flexibility during peak hours and slower aircraft turnaround times—challenges the new project aims to resolve.

The upgrade is not just about capacity—it is about efficiency and reliability. Once completed, the facility will integrate seamlessly with the airport’s hydrant system, improving refuelling speed, enhancing safety, and ensuring a consistent fuel supply.

For airlines, this translates into improved schedule reliability and operational confidence. For passengers, it means smoother travel experiences.

“This project responds directly to a critical operational need,” Desai added. “It positions us to handle future growth with greater resilience.”

And Puma Energy General Manager Zwelithini Mlotshwa, stated that this initiative signals Zambia’s ambition to become a regional aviation and logistics powerhouse.

“This is more than the beginning of a construction project—it is the start of a transformative journey,” Mr Mlotshwa said.

The US$18 million investment will guarantee dependable fuel supply while reducing turnaround times and supporting the growing number of airlines entering the Zambian market.

Mlotshwa noted that as air traffic continues to climb, infrastructure must evolve at the same pace to unlock future opportunities in trade, tourism, and logistics.

ZACL Board Chairperson Mr. Daan Brink delivered a candid assessment of the sector’s preparedness, warning that Zambia must act quickly to meet impending demand.

He revealed that the country is targeting up to 22 new international airlines within the next two years—a development that could dramatically increase fuel consumption.

He further illustrated the scale of demand: just 20 large aircraft could consume over 1.2 million litres of fuel within a short period.

“We don't know what is coming before us so we need to be ready” Mr Brink said, stressing the urgency of scaling up infrastructure.

Meanwhile Ministry of Transport and Logistics Minister Mr. Frank Tayali described the project as a timely and strategic intervention.

“Aviation fuel is a critical enabler of sector growth,” Mr. Tayali said. “Reliable and competitively priced supply supports airline operations, cargo development, tourism, and trade.”

He highlighted that passenger traffic has grown by 48 percent between 2022 and 2025, reflecting renewed confidence in Zambia’s aviation sector.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of air cargo, particularly in supporting exports such as horticultural products, which rely on efficient logistics systems.

The fuel expansion project is being delivered under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model—a form of public-private partnership that allows government to leverage private sector expertise and investment.

He further added that this approach ensures efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value for infrastructure projects.

Beyond operational improvements, the investment is expected to strengthen Zambia’s competitiveness as a regional hub, attract new airlines, and support broader economic growth.

With completion targeted between 2027 and 2028, the upgraded fuel facility is set to play a pivotal role in Zambia’s aviation future.

As the country positions itself as a regional transport and logistics hub, stakeholders agree that infrastructure must not only meet current demand but anticipate what lies ahead.

In the words of industry leaders, the message is clear: Zambia’s skies are getting busier—and the systems on the ground must be ready.