Etihad Coming To Zimbabwe In March 2027 – One Of 6 African Destinations
Etihad Airways is coming to Zimbabwe as part of a major African expansion, with Harare confirmed as one of six new destinations unveiled on 17 April 2026. The airline said the move is part of a broader strategy to grow its footprint across high-demand markets and connect Africa more directly to Abu Dhabi and the rest of the world.
Harare Route Confirmed In Major Expansion
The airline announced that Harare will be served through a three-times-weekly route linking Zimbabwe and Lubumbashi to Abu Dhabi. The service is scheduled to launch on 24 March 2027.
Introducing the expansion, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the decision was driven by growing demand across the continent.
“Africa is a natural and compelling next step in Etihad’s network expansion. These are markets with strong underlying demand, driven by trade, investment and population growth,” he said.
He added:
“Demand for air connectivity across key African markets is outpacing existing supply, particularly in cargo and trade-linked sectors. This expansion is a direct response to that structural opportunity.”
The new African routes also include Accra in Ghana, Lagos in Nigeria, Asmara in Eritrea, and Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Africa-Asia Travel And Trade Links Strengthened
Etihad said the new routes are expected to improve both passenger travel and cargo movement between Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Neves highlighted how the expansion connects into the airline’s broader global network.
“By extending our network alongside our recent China expansion, we are enabling a more efficient corridor linking Africa, the Middle East and Asia through Abu Dhabi,” he said.
He continued:
“For passengers, this creates simpler, faster journeys. For cargo, it provides more direct and reliable access between two regions where trade is growing rapidly.”
The airline explained that travellers from Harare and other African cities will now be able to connect to destinations across Asia, India and the Middle East through a single stop in Abu Dhabi.
The expansion also builds on growing economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and African countries, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, mining, energy and logistics.
Zimbabwe Positioned In Growing Aviation Network
Harare was highlighted as one of the key destinations in the rollout, with Etihad describing it as a city with “charm and understated sophistication”.
The route is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s connectivity to global markets, particularly for cargo and trade.
Etihad said freight capacity will play a central role, with cargo services available on all new routes.
The airline noted that this will support industries that rely on fast and reliable transport, including agriculture and manufacturing.
The expansion also complements Etihad’s partnerships with other airlines operating across Africa, strengthening links across the continent.
Flights to other destinations will roll out between November 2026 and March 2027, with Harare among the final routes to launch.
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