Etihad Airways to Launch Harare Route in Major Africa Expansion

HARARE – Etihad Airways has announced plans to launch flights to Zimbabwe as part of a major African expansion, with Harare confirmed among six new destinations aimed at boosting global connectivity. The airline revealed the development on April 17, saying the move is part of a broader strategy to tap into high-growth markets and strengthen links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Under the expansion, Harare will be connected to Abu Dhabi via a three-times-weekly service routed through Lubumbashi. The new route is scheduled to commence on March 24, 2027.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the decision reflects rising demand across African markets.

“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,” Neves said.

The airline also unveiled additional routes to Accra, Lagos, Asmara, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Industry analysts say the expansion reflects increasing competition among global carriers seeking to capture Africa’s growing aviation and cargo market.

Etihad emphasised that the new routes will enhance both passenger travel and cargo logistics, particularly as trade between Africa and Asia accelerates.

“Demand for air connectivity across key African markets is outpacing existing supply, particularly in cargo and trade-linked sectors,” Neves said.

He added that the new routes will integrate with the airline’s broader global network, including recent expansion into China.

“This creates simpler, faster journeys for passengers and more direct, reliable cargo access between regions where trade is growing rapidly,” he said.

The Harare route is expected to significantly improve Zimbabwe’s access to international markets, especially in sectors reliant on efficient logistics such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Etihad said cargo capacity will be a central feature of the new service, offering exporters faster routes to key markets in Asia, India, and the Middle East.

The expansion also aligns with deepening economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and African nations, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and trade. Passengers travelling from Harare will benefit from one-stop connections to major global destinations via Abu Dhabi, enhancing both tourism and business travel.

Flights to other African destinations are expected to begin between November 2026 and early 2027, with Harare among the final routes to be introduced. Etihad described Harare as a destination with “charm and understated sophistication,” underscoring Zimbabwe’s growing relevance in regional and international aviation networks.

Etihad Airways Zimbabwe