Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Airbus A330-300 that will operate Air Zimbabwe’s revived direct Harare-London service arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport today, marking a major milestone ahead of the inaugural flight to London Gatwick on Wednesday.
The arrival of the aircraft paves the way for the resumption of direct flights between Harare and London after a 14-year hiatus, restoring one of Zimbabwe’s key international air routes.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona presided over the launch ceremony at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
He was joined by his deputy, Joshua Sacco, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) chief executive Dr John Mangudya, United Kingdom Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot, who is the Acting Ambassador, and other senior Government officials.
Speaking after the arrival of the aircraft, Minister Mhona described the relaunch of the route as a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s aviation sector and the country’s drive to improve international connectivity.
“We are so excited as a ministry, but above all as a nation, that after 14 years without direct flights to London, we are now reconnecting with one of our key international destinations,” he said.
Minister Mhona credited President Mnangagwa with championing the country’s transport and connectivity agenda.
He said the President has consistently emphasised the importance of connecting Zimbabwe, Africa and the rest of the world.
The minister said the Harare-London service would not only serve travellers from Zimbabwe but would also attract passengers from neighbouring countries through a hub-and-spoke model.
“If you look at the way our airports are structured, we have not had direct connectivity with Europe. This service changes that. We want passengers from across the region to connect through Zimbabwe and feed into this route,” he said.
The service will initially operate three times a week, with flights departing Harare every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Minister Mhona said the route complemented Government’s broader strategy of expanding air connectivity to support tourism, trade, investment and regional integration.
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.
