SIKHUPHE – The minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, says the diplomatic arrivals and departures lounges at King Mswati III (KMIII) International Airport must look the part when receiving diplomats and VIPs, the Eswatini government posted in a statement.
This follows the touring by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on the ongoing onsite construction work on the KMIII International Airport.
Committee members including its chairperson, Alec Lushaba (Hhukwini MP); vice chairperson Allen Vilane (Madlangemphisi); Nomkhosi Masuku (Ludzeludze); Petros Sibandze (Nkilongo); Bonginkhosi Dube (Phondo); Thandeka Mavuso (Manzini Regional); Joseph Souza (Lugongolweni); and Bhekithemba Bhembe (Shiselweni II) were taken through the exquisite executive lounge of a contemporary Scandinavian design. 
The room features curved blue barrel armchairs exposed to natural wood-tone lighting that blends with the hardwood flooring. The furniture enables conversations about either coffee types or anything under the sun to flow while seated on the fabric sofas encircling the low-profile round wooden coffee table.
All of these links to the country’s elevating hospitality capabilities after the country added the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC), which was opened in April 2026 by His Majesty King Mswati III. The ICC stands ready to host international events and high-level meetings, complementing the upgraded diplomatic arrivals and departures lounges.
“In this context, the existing lounge facilities were no longer adequate to accommodate the increasing flow of guests, making the upgrade timely and necessary,” the minister said.
Moreover, through Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), one could fly to five destinations in the region across four countries. Preparedness to accommodate is key.
Shakantu expressed appreciation for efforts to deliver this project.
She singled out Minister of Public Works Chief Ndlaluhlaza’s leadership, together with the KMII International Airport management surrounding the upgrade, stating that it would enhance operational efficiency, security, and the overall guest experience while also reinforcing the country’s commitment to high-quality diplomatic hospitality.
The committee chairperson, Lushaba, expressed gratitude for the tour, and the committee committed to supporting the upgrades, recognising them as vital investments for the country.
