Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
AIR Zimbabwe is participating at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, marking a return to the premier global travel trade exhibition after a 14-year hiatus, as the national carrier seeks to rebuild its international profile following the resumption of direct flights to the United Kingdom.
The event is a leading business-to-business gathering for the global travel and tourism industry, and is being held at ExCeL London from 3 to 5 November 2026 .
WTM London annually brings together travel professionals, destination marketers, airlines, tour operators, and travel agents from around the world, with recent editions attracting participants from more than 180 countries and territories.
The airline’s return to WTM comes months after it restored its Harare–London service in July 2026, ending a 14-year suspension of the route .
The service operates three times weekly between Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and London Gatwick South Terminal, providing the only nonstop connection between Zimbabwe and the UK .
The flights are currently operated under a wet-lease arrangement with Spain’s Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, an arrangement that allows Air Zimbabwe to resume the route despite regulatory restrictions on its own aircraft in UK airspace .
In a statement, Air Zimbabwe said its participation in WTM London is strategically significant as the carrier seeks to re-establish visibility and raise awareness among international travel industry stakeholders.
“The airline’s return to WTM London after a 14-year hiatus is strategically significant as it seeks to re-establish its visibility, raise awareness among international travel industry stakeholders, and position its direct service as a convenient travel option for passengers between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom,” the airline said.
“WTM London brings together travel professionals, destination marketers, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, ground handlers, and other industry players from around the world. The event provides a platform for businesses to develop partnerships, explore new markets, and identify opportunities within the global tourism value chain.”
The participation is particularly important given the broader resuscitation of the airline, which has been rebuilding its operations after years of financial and operational difficulties.
The restoration of the London route has been framed by Government officials as a key component of Zimbabwe’s re-engagement agenda and a catalyst for tourism, trade, and diaspora connectivity .
For Air Zimbabwe, WTM London offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with international buyers and travel trade partners at a time when the carrier is seeking to demonstrate reliability and commercial viability.
The event’s scale, recent editions have recorded tens of thousands of pre-scheduled business meetings and billions of pounds in projected deal value, making it a critical forum for an airline attempting to re-enter the global marketplace .
The airline’s presence at WTM London 2026 will be watched closely by industry observers as a signal of whether Air Zimbabwe can translate restored route access into sustained commercial partnerships and passenger demand.
