Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
NATIONAL flag carrier Air Zimbabwe will, at the end of the month, resume direct flights between Harare and London, ending a 14-year hiatus from the United Kingdom market.
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.
In his address during the post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said this positive outcome 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 utilise a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Plus Ultra in Spain with a combined 302 seats, having a configuration of 30 business class and 272 economy seats.
“The airline will initially operate three weekly frequencies 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 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 that envisaged the acquisition of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
However, those plans did not materialise, delaying the restoration of the route.
It is believed that the partnership with Plus Ultra is expected to 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.
