Story by Owen Mandovha
AIR Zimbabwe will resume direct flights between Harare and London this month after more than 15 years, following the granting of a foreign operator permit by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.
The permit, issued on July 1, allows the national airline to operate the route after meeting all the required aviation regulatory standards.
Air Zimbabwe Chairperson, Dr Silvanos Gwarinda, described the development as a major milestone in the airline’s revival.
“We met the regulatory approvals, and we are ready to go. The granting of this permit on the first of July follows a rigorous process that demonstrates our growing prominence as a renewed airline, and travellers should expect this direct flight to grow trade and tourism between the two countries,” he said.
The airline will operate the Harare-London service through a lease agreement with a Spanish airline.
“Plus, Airlines of Spain will provide the aircraft, manage, maintain, and provide insurance as well as staff. Air Zimbabwe will focus on ticket sales, customer service, and overall commercial operation of the route,” Dr Gwarinda said.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for July 22, with tickets already on sale.
“Tickets are already on sale, and the first flight will take to the skies on the 22nd of this month. We have identified agents to sell tickets on our behalf,” he said.
The relaunch of the Harare-London route marks Air Zimbabwe’s return to the UK market after more than 15 years and comes as the airline continues its recovery from years of operational and financial challenges.
The national carrier has also set its sights on launching a Harare-Beijing route as part of its expansion strategy.
