Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
THE Second Republic’s drive to revitalise Zimbabwe’s aviation sector reached new heights on Sunday with the arrival of FastJet Zimbabwe’s Airbus A320-200 at Victoria Falls International Airport, marking the latest in a series of transformative milestones achieved in July.
The aircraft, which touched down shortly after 11AM with tourists aboard from Johannesburg, was welcomed with a spectacular water cannon salute, a traditional aviation honour signalling the start of a new chapter for the low-cost carrier and the country’s tourism industry.
The FastJet A320 arrival underlines what Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has described as one of the most monumental months in Zimbabwean aviation history.
In July alone, Zimbabwe witnessed Air Zimbabwe’s triumphant return to the Harare-London route after 16 years with a new Airbus A330-300; FastJet’s signing of an interline agreement with Etihad Airways; the successful hosting of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Airshow; the Zimbabwe Aviation Development and Taxation Forum; and the announcement of FastJet’s A320 deployment .
The new FastJet A320-200, operating on a short-term lease through September, will primarily serve the high-demand Harare-Johannesburg and Victoria Falls-Johannesburg routes, offering greater capacity with business class, enhanced baggage options and cargo services .
Delivering remarks on behalf of Minister Mhona, director for policy and planning Mr Takura Vengesa commended
FastJet for its bold step in expanding its fleet.
“It is a great honour and privilege to address you as we welcome an Airbus A320-200 to the FastJet Zimbabwe fleet.
FastJet Zimbabwe’s domestic and regional network has the capacity to contribute as a feeder to this long-haul operation,” he said.
Minister Mhona reiterated Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for airlines.
“Government policy continues to prioritise the modernisation of aviation infrastructure, the improvement of safety oversight, market liberalisation, the reviewing of the cost of doing business, and the deepening of connectivity throughout the entire aviation ecosystem,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between aviation and tourism, saying the A320’s arrival strengthens Zimbabwe’s ability to serve growing markets.
“Tourism and aviation are inseparable partners. Neither industry can realise its full potential without the other,” he said.
He said tourism receipts have grown to US$1.32 billion in 2025, 104 percent of pre-Covid levels and international arrivals surged to 1.78 million from 390 000 in 2021 .
“Tourism’s contribution to GDP has more than doubled, rising from 2.5 percent in 2021 to 6 percent in 2025,” he added.
FastJet board chairman Mr Farai Mutamangira reflected on the airline’s decade of service and the significance of the new aircraft.
“FastJet is growing from strength to strength, but at a time when our entire aviation industry is turning a corner,” he said .
While celebrating the new capacity, Mr Mutamangira raised concerns about the Open Skies Policy.
“We must continue to embrace the principles of reciprocity and balance. We do not want to have a situation where local carriers in Zimbabwe are totally crowded out by South African carriers,” he said, noting that four South African airlines currently operate into Harare.
“We are sending a message through you that the local carriers are saying we need to breathe a little bit. Let’s have a little bit of reciprocity and balance between the two countries,” he said.
Mr Mutamangira also underscored the importance of Zimbabwe’s five-million-strong diaspora community, estimating three million in South Africa and two million globally, which continues to drive demand for air travel.
He also pointed to annual tourist arrivals exceeding two million as key drivers of growth.
With the Government continuing to upgrade airport infrastructure, Victoria Falls and Robert Gabriel Mugabe
International Airports now world-class, the stage is set for Zimbabwe to claim its rightful place as a regional aviation hub .
