Maputo Airport Cooling System Broken, Repairs To Cost US$2.5 Million-Mozambique

Maputo International Airport, the country’s main airport, needs US$2.5 million (€2.3 million) to replace its centralized cooling system, an official source said on Monday.

“The constraint we currently have at the airport is that the centralized cooling system is damaged and to solve this problem an investment of around US$2.5 million is needed,” said the deputy minister for transport and communication, Amilton Alissone, cited by Mozambique’s Information Agency.

In addition to the departure and arrivals lounges, the faults in the system have been affecting some cafes, lounges and shops, according to the deputy minister, who added that a solution to the problem could take at least 15 months.

“Meanwhile, solutions will be put in place that allow us to have some dignity in the treatment of passengers and staff,” he said.

With its first terminal opened in 1940, still during colonial times, Maputo International Airport has undergone several modernization works over the last 10 years, notably the construction of an aircraft parking area, refurbishment of runways and installation of new signage and lighting systems.

The infrastructure now meets the operating requirements of the largest commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380.