Harare(New Ziana)-National carrier Air Zimbabwe said on Wednesday it will next week resume domestic and regional flights after a six month hiatus caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The development follows the announcement by the government of the re-opening of the skies to domestic flights under strict health guidelines as the country gradually opens up to the world in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Air Zimbabwe wishes to announce the resumption of domestic and regional flight operations with effect from 23 September 2020 and 3 October 2020, respectively,” the airline said in a statement.

“The domestic flight schedule features HRE/BUQ/VFA/HRE morning schedule and HRE/VFA/ABUQ/HRE evening schedule every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The regional HRE/DAR/HRE schedule shall initially operate every Tuesday and Saturday with an additional frequency towards the end of the year,” it said.

It added: “The airline still awaits confirmation of the opening of South African airspace and airports, whereinafter dates for resumption of flights into Johannesburg shall be announced.”

The airline said it would publish guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the World Health Organisation and the International Air Transport Association for air travel from time to time.

Like most countries, Zimbabwe closed its borders and skies to international passenger flights except those flying returning citizens and cargo planes from the beginning of April this year as it sought to curb the spread of Covid-19, which has to date killed 224 people and infected 7 576 others as at September 15.

Most of the infections recorded in the early stages of the outbreak in the country were imported.

New Ziana