Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Melissa Mpofu [email protected]
Etihad Airways, the national flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and fastjet Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will pave the way for a new interline partnership, codeshare agreement and frequent flyer collaboration, a move expected to significantly improve travel connectivity between Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.
The partnership will see travellers enjoy one-ticket travel between Etihad and fastjet flights; improved access to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg; and connections to Etihad’s global network via Abu Dhabi.
The agreement was signed in Harare on July 7, 2026, with travel under the partnership set to be available from August 24, 2026.
Under the arrangement, travellers flying with Etihad Airways will be able to connect seamlessly onto fastjet Zimbabwe services to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, all on a single ticket.
The partnership complements Etihad’s planned direct service between
Abu Dhabi and Harare, which is scheduled to launch on March 24, 2027. The route will give Etihad customers easier access not only to Harare, but also to major Zimbabwean destinations such as Bulawayo and Victoria Falls through fastjet’s domestic network.
For fastjet Zimbabwe, the deal opens access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s extensive global network spanning the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond. Travellers choosing to stop over in Abu Dhabi will also be eligible for up to two complimentary hotel nights through the airline’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme.
Arik De, Etihad Airways chief revenue & commercial officer, said Africa remains a growth market.
“Africa is an important part of Etihad’s growth, and partnerships like this one with fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests. From Harare to Victoria Falls, travellers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation.”
Donahue Cortes, fastjet Zimbabwe business chief executive officer & country head said the partnership will strengthen Zimbabwe’s international links.
“This marks the beginning of what we believe will be a significant partnership. We are delighted to be working alongside Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, exploring opportunities to improve connectivity, broaden travel options for our customers and further strengthen Zimbabwe’s links with key international markets.”
Vivian Ruwuya, fastjet chief commercial said they are proud to give the people of Zimbabwe easier access to so many more places.
“This partnership opens up the world for our customers in Zimbabwe. From Harare, travellers can now connect onto Etihad’s global network and reach Abu Dhabi and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond, all on a single ticket. We are proud to give the people of Zimbabwe easier access to so many more places.”
The partnership is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a regional tourism and business destination while giving local travellers more convenient access to international markets through Etihad’s expanding global network.
