By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is set to reconnect directly with the United Kingdom as Air Zimbabwe prepares to resume flights between Harare and London by the end of the month, marking the national carrier’s return to one of its most strategic international routes after an absence of more than 14 years.
The long-awaited resumption of flights on the route, which was last operated in late 2011 before being suspended due to financial difficulties, fleet constraints, and regulatory challenges, is expected to improve travel convenience for Zimbabweans in the diaspora, boost tourism, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic ties between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
Speaking during the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Soda Zhemu, said Cabinet had received a report from the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development on the restoration of Air Zimbabwe’s Harare-London service.
“The nation is advised that the airline will resume operations by the end of July 2026 and will utilise a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Plus Ultra in Spain with a combined capacity of 302 seats, comprising 30 business class and 272 economy class seats,” he said.
He added that Air Zimbabwe would initially operate three weekly flights between Harare and London on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, providing travellers with regular direct connections to one of Zimbabwe’s most important international markets.
The resumption of the route is a major milestone in the national airline’s revival. Its London service was once a flagship international operation before being discontinued in December 2011 amid financial pressures and operational challenges.
Since then, travellers have been forced to rely on connecting flights through regional and international hubs to reach the United Kingdom.
Government says the development reflects growing international confidence in Zimbabwe and underscores the success of the country’s diplomatic outreach.
“This positive outcome demonstrates the utility of His Excellency, the President’s engagement and re-engagement policy and is testament to his continued commitment to positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive destination,” Zhemu said.
The airline will operate the service using a leased Airbus A330-300 from Spanish carrier Plus Ultra, a wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul international operations. The leasing arrangement enables Air Zimbabwe to restore the route while broader efforts to modernize its fleet continue.
The Harare-London route has historically been regarded as one of Air Zimbabwe’s most commercially significant services, serving thousands of Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom while also supporting business travel, tourism and cargo exports, particularly horticultural produce.
The direct connection is expected to reduce travel times, improve convenience for passengers, and create fresh opportunities for investment and trade between the two countries.
The return of the London route shows renewed momentum in Air Zimbabwe’s turnaround as the national carrier rebuilds its international network and strengthens Zimbabwe’s connectivity with key global destinations.
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