Zimbabwe, which once had 34 airlines flying into the country but now has 14, hopes to add two more to its runways by the end of 2014, ZimbabweIndependent reports.

The government is promoting Victoria Falls International Airport as an international entry point to increase capacity.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe is negotiating with RwandAir and a Tanzanian airline with agreements and flights expected before end of 2014, said David Chawota, general manger of the aviation authority.

The new players, if they materialize, will increase the number of foreign airlines flying into Zimbabwe from 14 to 16.

Chawota spoke on the sidelines of a Routes Africa breakfast meeting held in Harare.

Routes Africa is the name of a conference scheduled for Victoria Falls in June that will be used to to promote Zimbabwe as a tourist destination and showcase Victoria Falls as a regional hub.

The event, held in 2013 in Uganda, had 330 delegates registered and Zimbabwe hopes to hit a record 400 delegates, according to Transportation Secretary Munesu Munodawafa.

At the peak of Zimbabwean air travel activity in 1997, it had 34 airlines landing in Harare. “Our target according to ZimAsset and the Medium Term Plan is 40,” Chawota said.

Zimbabwe has the capacity to handle 40 airlines and the country is investing to modernize facilities and increase capacity, he said.

“Before we had that new terminal building at Harare (International Airport) for example, the domestic tower was the international (tower) and it handled the 34 airlines…”

Chawota said Zimbabwe wants to position Victoria Falls International Airport as a preferred regional hub.

“We have promoted and will continue investing in that regard,” he said.

Some delegates to the upcoming June meeting raised concerns over Harare International Airport’s current handling capacity, saying it has insufficient parking space and the three jet bridges are inadequate.

Munodawafa said the government is working on short- and long-term infrastructure projects that include building a new runway and ground services.

“Harare international airport’s initial design has seven aerobridges (jetways or gangways),” he said.

“We are also looking at expansion of the domestic terminal to increase capacity,” Chawota said. “We also have plans to develop further designs outside the seven aerobridges, a new runway and cargo village.” The Ministry of Transportation is in discussions with partners for the project.

Chawota said 29 airlines have confirmed their participation so far in Routes Africa including South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airways, Turkish Airlines and Emirates.

Some players from America and Bulgaria will also be part of the event, he said.

Aircraft manufacturers including Embraer and airports from cities including Denver, Birmingham, Copenhagen and Munich have also confirmed participation.