Air Zimbabwe Restores Direct London Route With Three Weekly Flights
Air Zimbabwe is set to restore direct flights between Harare and London later this month, ending a 14-year absence from one of its most significant international routes.
The national airline will relaunch the service using a leased Airbus A330-300 from Spanish carrier Plus Ultra. The aircraft has a seating capacity of 302 passengers, including 30 business-class seats and 272 economy-class seats.
According to Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda, the flights will initially operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The announcement was made following a Cabinet meeting in Harare.
Also Read: Air Zimbabwe to Restore Direct London Flights After 14 Years Hiatus
Government hails milestone
Dr Soda said the return of the London route reflects the success of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy, describing it as a step towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s global connectivity.
He said the development demonstrates the Government’s efforts to position Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for trade, tourism and investment while improving international air links.
Boost for travellers and business
The restoration of direct flights is expected to benefit tourists, business travellers and the large Zimbabwean community living in the United Kingdom.
For more than a decade, passengers travelling between Zimbabwe and the UK have had to rely on connecting flights through destinations in Europe, the Middle East and other regional hubs. The direct service is expected to reduce travel time and offer greater convenience.
Return of a key international route
Air Zimbabwe suspended its London operations in 2012 after facing financial difficulties, fleet limitations and changing European regulatory requirements.
Before the suspension, the airline served the route using Boeing 767-200ER aircraft, with the Harare-London connection regarded as one of its flagship international services.
Although the airline had previously announced plans to renew its fleet and return to the UK market, those efforts failed to materialise.
The lease agreement with Spain’s Plus Ultra is expected to provide Air Zimbabwe with an aircraft that complies with United Kingdom and European operational standards, allowing the airline to re-establish flights on one of its most important long-haul routes.
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