Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AIR Tanzania has inaugurated a new regional air service connecting Zimbabwe and South Africa, with the first flight touching down in Victoria Falls on Thursday. The route is set to operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, strengthening regional connectivity and promoting tourism across Southern and Eastern Africa.
The new service positions Victoria Falls as a key hub for regional tourism and marks Air Tanzania as the 12th airline servicing the resort city. The route connects Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town, enabling travellers to combine wildlife experiences, beach holidays, and natural attractions in a single itinerary.
“This direct Air Tanzania flight is a game-changer for tourism in Africa. Traveling from Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls is now faster and more convenient, encouraging tourists to explore multiple destinations across the continent with ease,” a frequent flyer said.
“The launch of this route strengthens regional connectivity. It brings East and Southern Africa closer together and makes it easier for African travellers and international tourists to move seamlessly between iconic destinations,” a passenger said.
“Victoria Falls and Tanzania are both major tourism hubs, and this new connection allows tourists to combine wildlife, beaches, and natural wonders in one trip. It truly promotes Africa as a single, interconnected tourism destination,” another traveller said.
“This inaugural flight shows Africa investing in its own connectivity. Improved air links boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, positioning African airlines as key drivers of continental integration,” another passanger said.
For Air Tanzania, the launch of this service is part of efforts to create a tourism corridor, while service providers at Victoria Falls International Airport see opportunities for growth.
“Victoria Falls, Cape Town, and Tanzania’s key tourist destinations such as Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar complement each other. That is why we decided to introduce the Dar es Salaam–Victoria Falls–Cape Town route. As Africans, we must promote our own tourism and attractions. We are starting with two flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays, with plans to increase frequency as demand grows,” Country Manager Air Tanzania, Mr Ismail Mpinga said.
“This is a great opportunity for us as it means more business. It will also enable us to create more employment opportunities,” Station Manager Aviation Ground Services, Ms Michelle Shayawabaya said.
The launch reflects the positive outcomes of the government’s investment in modernising Zimbabwe’s aviation infrastructure, particularly upgrades at Victoria Falls International Airport.
Since the advent of the Second Republic, the number of airlines operating into Zimbabwe has grown from 13 to 21, illustrating the country’s rising profile as a regional travel hub.
