Air Zim relaunches direct Harare–London flights after 14‑year absence

HARARE — Air Zimbabwe today relaunched direct flights between Harare and London, ending a 14‑year absence of a non‑stop air link between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom and marking what officials described as the national carrier’s biggest milestone in recent years.


The new route is expected to boost tourism, trade and diaspora connectivity as the airline resumes UK services. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Monday, 22 July 2026, from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, with Government and diplomatic officials presiding over the launch.

In a statement, Air Zimbabwe said it will operate the Harare–London Gatwick service three times a week. Flights will depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return flights from London Gatwick will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

To mark the resumption, promotional fares will start from £490 / US$495 one‑way, with return tickets from £675 / US$900, subject to availability.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona led the official launch, joined by officials from the Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution’s office; Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry; and Dr Jo Abbott, UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission, who is currently acting as Ambassador.

The ceremony included the aircraft’s arrival, a water‑cannon salute, ribbon‑cutting and a cabin tour with crew.

Air Zimbabwe said the route is central to Government’s re‑engagement drive and is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment and diaspora links between Zimbabwe and the UK. “This service will provide passengers with a convenient, seamless and reliable travel experience between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom,” the airline said.

Tourism Minister Rwodzi has previously emphasised that direct air access is critical to achieving Zimbabwe’s target of five million tourist arrivals by 2030. The UK remains one of Zimbabwe’s top source markets and a key base for the Zimbabwean diaspora.

Industry analysts note that a direct flight cuts travel time by several hours compared to one‑stop options via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa or Dubai, making Zimbabwe more competitive for leisure and business travel.

The Harare–London service will be operated using an Airbus A330‑300 under a wet‑lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. Under the arrangement, Plus Ultra provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe handles ticket sales, passenger services and commercial operations.

Air Zimbabwe said the model allows it to restore long‑haul connectivity quickly while it continues to recapitalise its fleet. The airline added that it “remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and customer‑focused air transport services while supporting the country’s economic growth, strengthening international connectivity and advancing the country’s re‑engagement drive”.

The last direct Air Zimbabwe flight to London operated in 2012, before the carrier suspended most international routes due to financial challenges. The relaunch adds momentum to ongoing discussions around Zimbabwe aviation recovery and tourism re‑engagement.