Online Reporter
Business Reporter
KEY business, tourism and agricultural players have welcomed Air Zimbabwe (AirZim)’s resumption of the Harare-London Gatwick service, which connects the nation to a critical trade and diaspora hub, while propelling economic prospects across key sectors.
The national airline suspended its direct long-haul flights to London, using Boeing 767 aircraft, in early 2012 following financial distress, mounting debts and the impounding of an aircraft at the London Gatwick Airport over unpaid fees.
Subsequent European Union safety restrictions further prevented the airline from deploying its own fleet on United Kingdom and European routes.
To navigate these legacy debts and regulatory restrictions, Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund, the Mutapa Investment Fund, which now owns AirZim, brokered a 13-month aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement.
Managed in partnership with aviation specialist Chapman Freeborn, the deal sees Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Lineas Aéreas operating an Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft for three weekly scheduled frequencies under AirZim’s flight code.
AirZim resumed its direct London route on July 22, 2026.
The structure shields operations from debt liability, while providing immediate compliance with UK and European regulatory standards.
The new arrangement eliminates stopovers in other regional or international hubs such as South Africa, Kenya or Dubai.
Key cargo features include direct air freight capacity and general cargo handling.
The aircraft is built to support time-sensitive agricultural shipments, including fresh horticultural and perishable products heading directly to the UK market.
It can also handle standard consumer goods, dry goods, hardware and textiles utilising trained ground handling teams at both origin and destination hubs.
The plane’s belly space can accommodate up to 30 tonnes of cargo.
Industry leaders and trade bodies cited the route’s potential to transform tourism, export logistics and high-level corporate travel.
Reflecting on the far-reaching implications for national development and investor sentiment, president of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe Dr Emmanuel Fundira said the service was far more than a simple air connection.
“The resumption of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London Gatwick service is more than the reopening of an air route,” he said.
“Strategically, it represents an opportunity to reconnect Zimbabwe with one of its most important international markets. The Harare-London Gatwick route has the potential to become a strategic national asset rather than merely another airline service.
“If managed professionally, it can stimulate tourism, trade, exports, foreign currency earnings and investment, while reconnecting Zimbabwe with one of its most important overseas communities.”
Dr Fundira said the return to London shows that AirZim is rebuilding its international footprint, which can restore investor confidence across both the airline and broader domestic aviation sector.
As a major global transit hub, he said London makes prime tourist destinations such as Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools and Great Zimbabwe far more accessible, while simultaneously smoothing the way for bilateral trade missions, diplomatic engagement and corporate travel.
If commercially successful, the service will strengthen the airline’s case for restoring additional long-haul routes and expanding partnerships with international carriers.
Dr Fundira said streamlined access encourages the diaspora to return home more frequently, driving increased expenditure on family support, local goods and property investment.
Crucially, he said the aircraft offers valuable belly hold cargo space for high-value perishable exports such as fresh flowers, horticulture and specialty foods that require rapid delivery to British markets.
Even though the aircraft and crew operate under an ACMI lease structure, the service continues to safeguard local employment in airport ground handling, catering, security, travel agencies and hospitality.
Expressing strong support for AirZim’s return to the London skyways, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) noted that direct flights were a game-changer for local horticulture.
By streamlining transport to the vital UK market and slashing freight times, the airline is helping local farms deliver fresh, premium produce more dependably.
“The UK is one of Zimbabwe’s most important export markets for fresh produce,” HDC said.
“The return of direct flights opens exciting commercial opportunities by improving market access, reducing transit times and strengthening the reliable delivery of our proudly Zimbabwean, high-quality fresh produce.”
Emphasising the convenience for business leaders and investors, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief executive officer Ms Sekai Kuvarika highlighted how a 10-hour non-stop flight drastically reduces transit times for global executives.
“The movement of goods, people and service is now the equivalent of a road trip from Harare to Victoria Falls,” Ms Kuvarika said.
“This could positively impact a growing economy as access to London financial markets is enhanced, while the 10-hour trip to Zimbabwe at an affordable price makes invitations by local firms attractive to London businesses.
“A business executive can literally fly into the country for a day visit and be back in London the following day if scheduling allows. Given Zimbabwe’s high-risk perception, the opportunity to visit will have less drag on executives’ calendars.”
