Air Zimbabwe to resume direct Harare–London flights by end of July

The Government has announced that Air Zimbabwe will resume direct flights between Harare and London by the end of July 2026, ending a 15-year absence from one of the airline's most strategic international routes.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday. Soda said the national carrier will operate the route using a leased Airbus A330-300 from Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, with the aircraft offering a total capacity of 302 passengers.

"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 302 seats, having a configuration of 30 business class and 272 economy seats," said Soda.

He said the airline will initially operate three return flights a week between Harare and London.

"The airline will initially operate three weekly frequencies between Harare and London on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays."

The resumption of the route marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe's aviation sector, with direct air connectivity expected to improve travel for the large Zimbabwean diaspora in the United Kingdom while strengthening trade, tourism and investment links between the two countries.

Air Zimbabwe last operated direct services to London in December 2011, when mounting financial difficulties, creditor action and operational constraints forced the airline to suspend its Boeing 767-200 services. The carrier subsequently withdrew from several international routes as it battled debt, ageing aircraft and fleet shortages. Over the past decade, successive governments have announced plans to revive the Harare-London route, but those efforts were delayed by financial constraints, regulatory requirements and the need to modernise the airline's fleet.

Industry analysts say the return of direct flights could significantly reduce travel times for passengers, who currently rely on connecting services through regional and Middle Eastern hubs such as Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, Doha, Dubai and Nairobi. The route is also expected to benefit Zimbabwe's export sector, particularly producers of fresh flowers, berries and other horticultural products that require reliable and faster access to European markets.

Tourism operators have welcomed the announcement, saying direct air links could boost visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom, traditionally one of Zimbabwe's key tourism source markets.

However, aviation experts say the long-term success of the service will depend on sustained passenger demand, competitive fares, operational reliability and the airline's ability to maintain regular schedules in a highly competitive international market. Air Zimbabwe has not yet announced ticket prices or confirmed the London airport it will serve, but further operational details are expected before the inaugural flight later this month. The relaunch comes as the Government continues efforts to rebuild the national airline and restore its presence on regional and long-haul international routes.

Air Zimbabwe Harare London flights