Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
National carrier Air Zimbabwe today officially launches its long-awaited direct Harare-London service, with the inaugural flight to London Gatwick Airport scheduled for Wednesday, restoring a key international route that has been dormant for 14 years.
The resumed service marks a major milestone in the airline’s efforts to rebuild its international network and strengthen Zimbabwe’s air connectivity with the United Kingdom, a key market for tourism, trade, investment and the Zimbabwean diaspora.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona will preside over the launch ceremony at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport today.
He will be joined by Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, United Kingdom Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot, who is the Acting Ambassador, as well as senior Government officials.
The ceremony will include the arrival of the aircraft, a traditional water cannon salute, ribbon-cutting, opening of the aircraft doors and a guided tour of the aircraft led by Minister Mhona, during which invited guests will meet the flight crew.
In a recent statement, Air Zimbabwe said the direct scheduled passenger service between Harare and London Gatwick would commence on Wednesday.
“The service will operate three times a week, providing passengers with a convenient, seamless and reliable travel experience between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
“Flights will depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return services from London Gatwick will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays,” the airline said.
Air Zimbabwe described the resumption of the Harare-London route as one of the most significant milestones in its history, reflecting the national carrier’s commitment to restoring international connectivity and strengthening Zimbabwe’s links with key global markets.
The airline said the service is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment, and improve travel convenience for Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom, while supporting the country’s broader economic engagement with the UK.
The route will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft under an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
Under the arrangement, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe will oversee ticket sales, passenger services and the commercial operation of the route.
To mark the relaunch, Air Zimbabwe has introduced promotional fares starting from £490 or US$495 for a one-way ticket, while return fares begin at £675 or US$900, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.
