Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
CABIN crew, prepare for landing!
For the first time in more than 14 years, Air Zimbabwe will fly directly from Harare to London.
It will mark the resumption of the direct flights on the Harare–London route which connects the Sunshine City to one of the world’s biggest commercial and financial hubs.
London, in particular, and the UK, in general, is also home to a large and vibrant Zimbabwean Diaspora.
Promotional fares for the direct route will start from £490 or US$495, while a return ticket costs £675 or US$900.
The fares are subject to availability.
Yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona led a delegation to launch the route at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where they received an Airbus A330-300.
He was accompanied by his deputy Joshua Sacco, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot (who is the acting Ambassador), Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) CEO Dr John Mangudya, legislators, and senior Government officials.
The launch got off to a spectacular start, with the aircraft receiving a traditional water cannon salute as it taxied to the terminal, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and the symbolic opening of the aircraft doors.
Flights will depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return services from London Gatwick will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Air Zimbabwe said the Harare-London route represents one of the most significant milestones in the airline’s history and reflects the national carrier’s commitment to restoring international connectivity and strengthening the country’s links with key global markets.
The service is also expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment and diaspora connectivity while supporting Zimbabwe’s broader economic engagement with the United Kingdom.
The Harare-London Gatwick service will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft under an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) wet lease from Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
The Airbus has a combined 302 seats, with a configuration of 30 business class and 272 economy seats.
Under this arrangement, Plus Ultra provides the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe manages ticket sales, passenger services and the overall commercial operation of the route.
In his address, Min Mhona said:
“Occasions of this nature provide us with a wonderful opportunity to brush shoulders with colleagues from every walk of the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors.”
“The fruitfulness of all our efforts is as a result of the enabling working environment inspired by our iconic leader, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde, Dr ED Mnangagwa, whose strategic leadership since 2017 has catapulted our national fortunes and growth to levels never witnessed before.
“It is our hope, therefore, that as this connectivity will facilitate tourism, hospitality, cultural and business exchanges, economic opportunities will boom and people to people relations between and amongst our global citizens will improve.”
He added:
“The response from the market has been exceptionally encouraging.
“Within a remarkably short period following the announcement of this route, I am told Air Zimbabwe has already recorded 1 479 confirmed passenger bookings-an extraordinary expression of confidence.
“The cargo market has responded equally positively.
“I am told that already, more than 30 tonnes of cargo have been confirmed for this route, demonstrating the enormous commercial opportunities presented by direct connectivity.”
