11 Jul Interview with Dr. Alberto Nhantumbo, Administrator of Mozambique Airports
How would you describe the current transport sector and how Mozambique Airports has helped develop this sector?
The company Aeroportos de Moçambique was created by decree 10/80 on November 1, 1998, as a state-owned company and then became the public company it is today by decree 3/98. The company manages 20 airports across the country. Among them are three international airports: Maputo Airport in the south of Mozambique, Beira Airport in the central-northern region and Nacala Airport in the north.
In addition to these three major airports, we have five other airports that are regional entry points: Pemba Airport in the north, Nampula Airport in the north, Tete Airport in the center of the country and Vilankulo Airport and Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport, both in the south. These five are regional hubs, meaning that flights from other African countries operate at these airports. Our five domestic airports are Lichinga Airport in the north, Quelimane Airport and Chimoio Airport in the center, Inhambane Airport in the south and Mocímboa da Praia Airport in the north of the country. In addition, we have seven small airfields that do not have regular flights: Lumbo and Angoche in Nampula, Songo and Ulongue in Tete, Bilene in Gaza and Inhaca and Ponta do Ouro in Maputo.
Aeroportos de Moçambique is a member of the Airports Council International (ACI) and Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation. The company’s mission is to provide airport and air navigation support services, ensuring the security and services that customers expect. It is also responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance and operation of these 20 nationwide airports.
What are the main infrastructure challenges currently facing Mozambique Airports and how does the new management intend to overcome them?
There are several challenges in operating these airports. The first is to attract more airlines so that we can make better use of our facilities. Our airports have the capacity to handle many more planes and passengers than they currently receive. For example, the Maputo and Nacala airports have the capacity to handle 13.5 million passengers per year, but Maputo Airport handles around 1 million passengers per year, which means that it is underutilized. Nacala Airport has the same capacity but handles less than 200,000 passengers per year. Therefore, we need other airlines to be more present at our airports. Overall, all airports in Mozambique handle on average around 2 million passengers per year, far below our capacity.
Another challenge is the maintenance of various infrastructure, equipment and systems. We have energy supply and distribution systems, water supply and distribution systems and fire-fighting systems (which are operated by firefighters with very complex and specialized vehicles), baggage handling systems, waste treatment systems, communications systems and air navigation support systems, all of which we need to maintain and operate using internationally best practices.
There are several other essential systems, such as airport air conditioning, escalators, elevators and power generation systems that provide an alternative source of power. When the public grid fails, these generators start automatically to ensure the supply of power to the airport. Imagine a plane is about to land and, suddenly, the power fails. We have to ensure that, within six seconds, the generator starts up and that these generators are backed up by more generation capacity. If the first one fails, the second one starts up. This is how we ensure a safe supply of power to essential air navigation equipment and communication between air traffic controllers and pilots.
Another major challenge is to continue investing in the training and education of staff, especially in technical areas, such as air traffic controllers, firefighters and engineers. They need continuous and up-to-date training programs to ensure the efficient operation of our airports. Many people are reaching retirement age and we need young people to replace them. Currently, on average around 30 people retire each year, including operational technicians and we need to retain a properly prepared workforce.
What projects are underway to modernize Mozambique’s main airports?
We’re working closely with industry organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization and ACI to stay informed on global standards and needs. This helps us evaluate each airport’s requirements and prioritize upgrades. Currently, we have three major infrastructure projects: a new passenger terminal at Inhambane and modernization efforts at Beira and Nampula terminals. These projects are already in the contract negotiation stage.
In addition, we are replacing outdated analogue systems with modern digital ones, particularly in communication and operational control, as part of a broader technological upgrade. Limited funding prevents us from pursuing more projects at the moment, so we’re focusing on the most critical needs.
What other partnerships would you like to establish to improve and expand the operations of Mozambique Airports?
We’re actively seeking partnerships with national and international investors to diversify our revenue streams. One area of opportunity is real estate development, since many of our airports have adjacent land suitable for commercial use.
We aim to develop ‘airport citadels’, multi-function urban centers near airports that include hotels, residential buildings, restaurants and conference spaces. These projects have been successful elsewhere and can generate additional income beyond traditional aviation activity. We’re also exploring opportunities to attract airlines to strategic locations like Beira and Nacala. This would improve regional connectivity and boost airport usage. Additionally, we are looking at attracting major hotel chains to invest in our airport facilities.
Another pressing need is refrigeration systems at cargo terminals. Mozambique produces high volumes of seafood and agricultural goods, including avocados and flowers, but lacks proper cold storage facilities at airports. With the right partners, we could export fresh products to international markets by air, which would significantly increase revenue and benefit local producers.
As administrator of Mozambique Airports, what are your priorities for the evolution of the organization in the next 5 to 10 years?
Our major priority is recognizing that the company cannot function well without giving due attention to the human factor and investing in human capital accordingly. Without qualified and motivated personnel, no infrastructure or system can function effectively. This means continuous training and workforce renewal, especially in technical and operational fields.
We’re also focused on improving service quality across all airports. This includes modern infrastructure, reliable systems and adherence to international aviation standards and best practices. We aim to achieve a high level of operational excellence.
To support these efforts, we must increase our revenues. Diversifying our business model through real estate ventures and expanded cargo services is key to achieving financial sustainability. That’s why we emphasize non-aeronautical revenue streams. At present, there is no need to build new airports. The existing 20 provide sufficient coverage nationwide. Our focus is on optimizing the infrastructure we already have and ensuring all airports remain fully operational.
Nowadays, passengers expect shopping, dining and entertainment options. How do you intend to transform Mozambique’s airports into a reference point in the region, offering these types of experiences to passengers?
Our ambition with regard to real estate projects is to build high-quality, four- or five-star hotels near Maputo Airport. We also want to build shopping centers, restaurants, leisure areas and gardens with water fountains and apartment buildings.
Imagine, for example, a person coming from the United States for a two-day meeting. They can arrive on a flight that lands at 11 pm and avoid the hassle of traveling to the city. They can choose to sleep at the airport hotel, attend the meeting the next day and immediately catch a flight back to their country. With all the facilities available at the airport, such as the hotel, shopping centers, leisure facilities and restaurants, their stay will be comfortable and convenient. This is our ambition and it is a concept that has been successfully implemented in many parts of the world.
As a final message, how do you intend to attract the attention of American investors and also tourists to Mozambique?
We are open to developing partnerships for the growth of new businesses in Mozambique’s airports, with mutual gains. Anyone interested in developing any of the projects I have mentioned are welcome to approach us. We are available to talk, listen to ideas and proposals and start a discussion about possible collaboration. We are ready to explore new partnerships and opportunities.