Source: ‘Air Zimbabwe to revive Harare-London route’ – herald
Abel Ndooka
Chief Executive Officer of the Mutapa Investment Fund, Dr John Mangudya has set a target for Air Zimbabwe to resume flying the Harare-London route by June 2026.
The Public Lecture, organized by Zimpapers in partnership with the Harare Institute of Technology and Mutapa Investment Fund , was sponsored by ZESA Holdings, NetOne, AFC Insurance, AFC Leasing, CABS, POSB, TelOne, Air Zimbabwe, FBC Holdings, BDO, Petrotrade, Willowvale Motor Industries, Homelink, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of Zimbabwe.
Dr Mangudya said this morning during his address at the inaugural Zimpapers Public Lecture Series at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).
“We are reviving Air Zimbabwe, leasing aircraft so that the national airline can increase the frequency of its flights, locally, regionally, and internationally.
“So that’s our strategy. The CEO of Air Zimbabwe will testify that this is good work in progress. The Government has given us the authority to sell the Boeing 777. We then use it to put a deposit for a small aircraft for the domestic route. And we are putting in place a facility to lease, to hire a bigger plane,” said Dr Mangudya.
“One of these Boeings will fly to London, and some work has already been put in. And I was advised by the Air Zimbabwe chairman and the CEO that by June of this year, we will be ready. So by June 2026, we need to fly the London route.”
Resuming the Harare-London route is particularly significant, as it not only caters to the demand from Zimbabweans visiting or living abroad but also reinvigorates trade and tourism ties with the UK.
Dr Mangudya emphasised the importance of this route for both economic upliftment and strengthening relationships with the diaspora.
“That is one of the most lucrative routes in Africa – going direct from here into the UK. Years back, we used to export our horticulture produce in the morning and evening, so that early morning, our products was already on the shop shelves in the UK. So this one is coming,” said Dr Mangudya.
This strategic move is part of a broader plan to revitalise the national carrier and enhance its operational capabilities.
Under this plan, Air Zimbabwe aims to improve its financial viability and modernise the airline’s operations, improve service quality, and increase passenger confidence in the national airline.
The June 2026 target serves as a milestone in the airline’s ongoing effort to become a reliable and efficient carrier, ultimately contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
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