Air Zimbabwe has officially launched its long-awaited Harare-London route, marking a major step in the airline’s efforts to return to the international aviation market after more than a decade.
The announcement was made at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport ahead of the first flight to London Gatwick, which is scheduled to leave on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The route has been inactive for 14 years.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, Harare Metropolitan Minister of State Charles Tawengwa, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, and UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot.
The event featured a traditional water cannon salute, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a tour of the Airbus A330-300 aircraft that will be used for the flights. Guests also met the flight crew who will operate the new service.
Air Zimbabwe said the Harare-London Gatwick route will operate three times a week. Flights will leave Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while return flights from London will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The airline will use an Airbus A330-300 aircraft through an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) partnership with Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. Under the agreement, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe will manage ticket sales and passenger services.
The restored route is expected to improve travel between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, boost tourism, support business links, and make travel easier for Zimbabweans living in the UK who previously had to use connecting flights.
To mark the relaunch, Air Zimbabwe has introduced promotional fares, with one-way tickets starting from £490 or US$495, while return tickets start from £675 or US$900, depending on availability.
The return of the Harare-London service is seen as a major milestone in Air Zimbabwe’s plan to rebuild its international network and strengthen Zimbabwe’s connection with the rest of the world.
