Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
NATIONAL flag carrier Air Zimbabwe will, at the end of the month, resume direct flights between Harare and London using a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
Before the suspension of flights to the United Kingdom in 2012, due to fleet and operational challenges, the route was a key air link between the two countries.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said this positive development demonstrates the efficacy of President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy.
“The nation is advised that the airline will resume operations by the end of July 2026 and will use a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Plus Ultra in Spain, with a total capacity of 302 seats, comprising 30 business-class seats and 272 economy-class seats.
“The airline will initially operate three flights per week between Harare and London on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays,” he said.
“This positive outcome demonstrates the utility of His Excellency the President’s engagement and re-engagement policy and is testament to his continued commitment to positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive destination.”
The resumption of flights to London is expected to improve connectivity for travellers, businesses, tourists and Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom, who have for years relied on connecting flights through Europe, the Middle East and other regional hubs.
Air Zimbabwe last operated direct flights to London using Boeing 767-200ER aircraft before mounting financial pressures and evolving European regulatory requirements forced the airline to suspend the service.
Since then, the airline has repeatedly explored options for re-entering the UK market, including proposed fleet renewal programmes.
However, those plans did not materialise, delaying the restoration of the route.
It is believed that the partnership with Plus Ultra will provide Air Zimbabwe with immediate access to aircraft that meet United Kingdom and European operational and regulatory requirements, enabling the carrier to resume services to one of its most important international destinations.
