After a hiatus spanning over a decade, Air Zimbabwe today marked a pivotal moment in its journey to reclaim its international standing, officially unveiling its much-anticipated Harare-London connection at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. This ceremony precedes the inaugural Harare-London Gatwick flight, scheduled to depart on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, re-establishing a vital air link that has been absent for 14 years .
The event, a testament to the national carrier’s resurgence, was graced by high-ranking officials, including Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, who led the proceedings. He was joined by Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, and the UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Jo Abbot, among other dignitaries .
Attendees were treated to a spectacle befitting such a significant occasion, featuring a traditional water cannon salute, a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an exclusive tour of the Airbus A330-300 aircraft. This provided a firsthand look at the modern amenities and comfort awaiting passengers, culminating in an introduction to the dedicated flight crew .
Air Zimbabwe has confirmed that this revived route will offer passengers a direct travel option between Harare and London Gatwick, operating three times a week. Flights are strategically scheduled to depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with return journeys from London slated for Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays .
This service represents a cornerstone in Air Zimbabwe’s ambitious plans to rebuild its international operations and re-establish crucial connections with global markets. The Harare-London route will be serviced by an Airbus A330-300, secured through an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with the Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. Under this arrangement, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe will retain responsibility for ticket sales, passenger management, and overall commercial operations .
The renewed connection is expected to significantly enhance ease of movement between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, fostering increased tourism and strengthening economic cooperation. Furthermore, it offers a more convenient travel solution for the Zimbabwean diaspora residing in the UK, eliminating the need for often cumbersome connecting flights through other countries.
To celebrate this momentous relaunch, Air Zimbabwe has introduced attractive promotional fares. One-way tickets are available from £490 or US$495, with return fares commencing at £675 or US$900, subject to availability and applicable terms .
The return of the Harare-London service is not merely a resumption of flights; it is a powerful symbol of Air Zimbabwe’s determination to reassert its presence on the international stage and a key milestone in its broader efforts to rebuild its global footprint.