Online Reporter
AIR Zimbabwe is this evening launching its direct Harare-London service, marking another milestone in the national carrier’s efforts to restore international connectivity after a 14-year absence.
The inaugural flight follows the recent relaunch of the route, with Cabinet ministers and senior Government officials travelling to the United Kingdom for a launch event.
The national airline has introduced promotional fares starting from US$495 for a one-way ticket, while return fares begin at US$900, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.
Air Zimbabwe Board Chairperson Dr Silvanos Gwarinda described the resumption of the route as a significant step in reconnecting Zimbabwe with one of its key international destinations.
“From this Wednesday, Air Zimbabwe will once again connect Harare directly with London Gatwick, restoring one of the most important gateways between our country and the world. This is the moment we have worked towards and the moment we have prayed for. It is the moment we now celebrate under our campaign banner: Fly Direct… Experience Zimbabwe.”
Dr Gwarinda said the restored service supports the airline’s long-term vision of positioning Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as a regional aviation hub.
“The reopening of the Zimbabwe-UK corridor is the clearest sign that your national airline, Air Zimbabwe, will leave no stone unturned until the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport takes its rightful position as the real and natural aviation hub for the SADC region.”
He said Zimbabwe’s central location presents a strategic advantage for the development of a regional aviation hub and noted that the granting of the Foreign Operator Permit on 1 July 2026 reflected international confidence in the airline’s operational standards, governance systems and safety oversight.
Dr Gwarinda also encouraged the airline to pursue strategic partnerships while maintaining high service standards.
“Due to the perishability of our product, the seat, every sale counts and would be a move in the right direction, adding value to shareholder investment.
“Therefore, as management, do not shy away from co-operatively competing with your competitors through win-win ventures such as code-share initiatives.
“As Air Zimbabwe, we have to focus on sustainable service excellence as one of the pillars of our operations.”
On Monday, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Honourable Felix Mhona led the official launch of the route at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where the airline received its Airbus A330-300.
The service will operate three times a week, with flights departing Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return flights from London Gatwick will leave on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Air Zimbabwe said the restored Harare-London route represents one of the airline’s most significant milestones and is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment and diaspora connectivity while supporting Zimbabwe’s broader economic engagement with the United Kingdom.
