Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
EXCITEMENT is rippling through the tourism sector in Victoria Falls as tour operators express strong optimism that the reintroduction of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London flight, which commenced on Wednesday evening, will significantly unlock one of the country’s most valuable tourism markets and elevate the industry to new heights.
The resumption of the service, after an absence of more than 14 years, marks a major milestone for the national carrier and the country’s economic re-engagement strategy.
The route will operate three times a week, utilising an Airbus A330-300 under a wet-lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
The strategic move offers a direct link to the United Kingdom, a market that tourism leaders say has rebounded with remarkable strength.
Mr Anald Musonza, sales and marketing director of Africa Albida Tourism, which operates the Victoria Falls Safari Collection, said the UK’s resurgence as a top source market makes this connectivity crucial.
“The reintroduction of Air Zimbabwe Harare-London route is very essential for destination Zimbabwe for a number of reasons,” said Mr Musonza.
“The UK has always been our big source market for tourism into the country… As we have seen in the beginning of this year, the UK market has actually come back very strong and even stronger than the USA, which was our top market for the last 15 years,” he said.
Mr Musonza said the direct flight removes the inconvenience of transiting through the Middle East, offering a seamless 10-hour journey that is expected to boost both tourism and business travel, including visits from the diaspora.
The sentiment was echoed by Dr Clement Mukwasi, public relations manager for Shearwater Adventures.
“A footprint in one of the best source markets by Air Zimbabwe shall open the travel doors into Zimbabwe wider,” said Dr Mukwasi.
“The fact of flying the Zimbabwe flag in London is great enough a gesture to the international tourists who have for long wanted to have direct flights into our country. This occurrence is a source of pride to the whole tourism industry.”
Dr Mukwasi said the launch coincides with the peak travel season, making its impact invaluable.
Tourism industry data supports this optimism, with Britain and Ireland recording an impressive 89 percent surge in arrivals to 13 575 visitors in the first quarter of 2026.
Operators believe the new direct air link will solidify this growth, positioning Victoria Falls as an even more accessible world-class destination.
derick.khumalo