Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-In a move hailed as a long-awaited dream realized, the skies above Manicaland echoed with a new and welcome sound this weekend:the distinctive hum of an Air Zimbabwe aircraft.
The national carrier’s inaugural flight to Mutare, has finally landed, bringing a wave of optimism and cheer just ahead of the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.
For decades, the people of Manicaland have viewed direct air connectivity as a missing piece in the province’s economic and tourism puzzle.
The arduous four-hour drive from Harare, while scenic, has long been a barrier for time-poor tourists, international investors, and local business travellers alike.
The arrival of the Grand Reef flight is being celebrated as nothing short of an answered prayer, a tangible step towards unlocking the region’s vast potential.
The atmosphere at Mutare’s Grand Reef Airport was one of pure jubilation as the first scheduled flight touched down.
A ceremonial water cannon salute arched over the aircraft, marking its historic arrival, while local dignitaries, tourism operators, and community members gathered to witness the milestone. The mood was electric, filled with a sense of pride and the palpable belief that this was the start of a new chapter.
For 72 years old granny, Gogo Anna Mawoneke-Jambe today marked not only a historic day for Manicaland in terms of commissioning the first direct flights to Mutare at Grand Reef Aerodrome, but it became a dream come true for her as she flew on a an airplane for the first time after her children bought her a ticket to board the second return flight from Harare.
“I am so happy to fly on an airplane for the first time, especially this flight from here my rural home. I live in Harare but come from here in Bocha Marange and had come for a tombstones unveiling function.
At my age long distance journeys are now a painful thought, but a 30 minutes flight to Harare is just like the time I take to get into town back home in Harare.
Thank you President Emmerson Mnangagwa for this and all those that worked hard to make us have direct air flights to Mutare,” said gogo Mawoneke-Jambe who could not hide her joy as she waited for her 11am flight to Harare which was the second flight of the day.
The immediate benefits are already being felt. The regular flights have dramatically eased travel, turning a half-day journey into a quick and convenient 30-minute hop.
This seamless connection is a game-changer for locals, making family visits, medical appointments, and business in the capital infinitely more accessible.
For the tourism and hospitality sector, which forms the lifeblood of the Eastern Highlands, the impact is transformative.
The timing could not be more perfect.
The launch serves as a powerful prelude to the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, Zimbabwe’s premier tourism showcase.
The event, which draws exhibitors and buyers from across the globe, is set to benefit immensely from this direct airlink. International visitors can now fly directly into Mutare, bypassing the additional road transfer from Harare and immersing themselves immediately in the misty beauty of the Vumba Mountains or the tranquil shores of Lake Alexander.
Hospitality owners report a surge in inquiries and bookings, directly correlating to the flight announcement.
The ease of access is expected to significantly boost visitor numbers not just for the expo, but for the province’s myriad attractions year-round, from the Bvumba Botanical Gardens to the mystical Chirinda Forest.
The Grand Reef flight is more than just a new route; it is a symbol of national progress and a testament to the power of listening to regional needs.
It represents a crucial investment in infrastructure that promises to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and put Manicaland firmly on the map as a must-visit, easy-to-reach destination.
New Ziana
