Zimbabwe–UK air corridor reopens

Source: Zimbabwe–UK air corridor reopens – herald

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

FOR the first time in more than 14 years, Air Zimbabwe will tomorrow operate a direct flight on the Harare–London route, re-establishing a direct air link between the country and one of the world’s biggest commercial and financial hubs — a city that hosts a large and vibrant Zimbabwean Diaspora.

Promotional fares for the resumed direct route will start from £490 or US$495, while a return ticket costs £675 or US$900.

The fares are subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.

Yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona led a delegation to launch the route at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where they received the aircraft, an Airbus A330-300.

He was accompanied by his deputy Joshua Sacco, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot (who is the acting Ambassador), Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) chief executive officer Dr John Mangudya, legislators, and senior Government officials.

The launch got off to a spectacular start, with the aircraft receiving a traditional water cannon salute as it taxied to the terminal, followed by a ribbon‑cutting ceremony and the symbolic opening of the aircraft doors — marking the airline’s official return to one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

President Mnangagwa’s administration has walked the talk on Zimbabwe being open for business, and over the past few years many airlines have returned to the Harare route as business booms while taking advantage of a revamped and expanded airport.

Flights will depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return services from London Gatwick will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Air Zimbabwe said the Harare-London route represents one of the most significant milestones in the airline’s history and reflects the national carrier’s commitment to restoring international connectivity and strengthening the country’s links with key global markets. The service is also expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment and diaspora connectivity while supporting Zimbabwe’s broader economic engagement with the United Kingdom.

The Harare-London Gatwick service will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft under an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) wet lease from Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. The Airbus has a combined 302 seats, with a configuration of 30 business class and 272 economy seats.

Under this arrangement, Plus Ultra provides the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe manages ticket sales, passenger services and the overall commercial operation of the route.

A wet lease, often called an ACMI lease, is an agreement where one airline provides an aircraft to another along with the pilots, cabin crew, maintenance, and hull/liability insurance. The lessee retains commercial control of the flights but avoids all regulatory, operational, and maintenance burdens.

Air Zimbabwe said it remained committed to delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused air transport services while supporting the country’s economic growth, strengthening international connectivity and advancing the country’s re-engagement drive.

In his address, Minister Mhona described the launch as “historic”.

“We welcome the return of Air Zimbabwe with pomp and fanfare, after a 16 years hiatus. Occasions of this nature provide us with a wonderful opportunity to brush shoulders with colleagues from every walk of the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors.”

He said Air Zimbabwe was now one of the investee companies of the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), a sovereign wealth investment fund, which was designated as the immediate shareholder of the airline.

“The fruitfulness of all our efforts is as a result of the enabling working environment inspired by our iconic leader, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde, Dr ED Mnangagwa, whose strategic leadership since 2017 has catapulted our national fortunes and growth to levels never witnessed before. His lofty and eminent vision, which seeks to grow Zimbabwe to be an Upper Middle-Income Economy by the year 2030 has placed air transportation in its rightful place as it is critical in connecting brand Zimbabwe to regional and international markets, thus facilitating trade and integral linkages with global supply chains.

“It is our hope therefore, that as this connectivity will facilitate tourism, hospitality, cultural and business exchanges, economic opportunities will boom and people to people relations between and amongst our global citizens will improve,” Minister Mhona said.

He said under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has charted a deliberate course towards institutional restoration, economic transformation, and strategic re-positioning on the world stage.

He said the re-opening of this air corridor is a symbolic and strategic reassertion of the commitment that Government places on transport and logistics for the country’s economic transformation agenda.

“A modern, integrated, and efficient transport system is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the circulatory system through which investment flows, trade moves, tourists arrive, and our young people gain access to global opportunities. Without it, a nation cannot compete, cannot develop, and cannot achieve its potential. Air transport is the crown jewel of that system.

“It connects our region to the world; it facilitates the movement of high-value cargo; it attracts international business and investment; it enables our entrepreneurs to access global markets; and it brings tourists who spend foreign currency, create jobs, and invigorate our hospitality and service sectors. For fourteen years; a generation of missed opportunities, deferred dreams, and untapped potential; Zimbabweans longed for direct air services connecting our capital to London. That longing has today become reality. The Harare–London route is no longer an aspiration; it is operational. It is here. And it is a watershed moment for our nation,” he said.

Minister Mhona said for Zimbabweans living and working in the United Kingdom and Europe, this route restores access to home while for investors, entrepreneurs, and Government officials, it opens direct pathways to capital, partnerships, and international engagement.

“For tourists, it places Zimbabwe; with our natural wonders, our wildlife, and our culture; within reach of one of the world’s most affluent markets. To all of these stakeholders, the Government of Zimbabwe extends its profound gratitude.

“The response from the market has been exceptionally encouraging. Within a remarkably short period following the announcement of this route, I am told Air Zimbabwe has already recorded 1 479 confirmed passenger bookings-an extraordinary expression of confidence. The cargo market has responded equally positively. I am told that already, more than 30 tonnes of cargo have been confirmed for this route, demonstrating the enormous commercial opportunities presented by direct connectivity. Zimbabwe’s exporters will now enjoy improved access to one of Europe’s largest consumer markets. Fresh horticultural produce, pharmaceuticals, and other high value exports will reach international markets more efficiently; strengthening our export competitiveness and contributing to increased foreign currency earnings,” Minister Mhona said.

In an interview, Tourism Minister Rwodzi said the tourism sector is about connectivity and they were overjoyed with the launch.

“We want to express our gratitude to the President and his Cabinet for okaying what has happened today. Its been quite a journey but you know every journey has an end and we are here today. What is left is for us to continue marketing the destination as tourism and hospitality industry which is our mandate to market and promote this destination, bringing a lot of people who will be filling up this aircraft, 302 seats and it must be filled up coming to Zimbabwe.

“We have a lot of British people who want to come to Zimbabwe. They sit on number two in terms of our market sources after the US and we have Germany and Spain and France and we think now our marketing and promotion must increase more and visibility in these countries in the European market source. But also the US which is number one, the connectivity as well is much easier to leave Harare to London and then London to New York or Washington or any other city using British Airways, its much easier and much cheaper if they use that route. So we are very happy and it means our connectivity internally , in terms of domestically connections must continue to be worked on,” the minister said.

The UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot welcomed the launch.

“Back (in the 1990s) I used to use this direct flight and It was more than just a flight connection. It was a much loved lifeline between people, families, business and friendship. And having regularly used this route more than three decades ago, I know fist hand how much it matters from everybody in the UK and everybody in Zimbabwe.

“So to stand here as the UK’s acting ambassador, I welcome the return of the direct Harare-London direct service, it feels like a remarkable full circle moment,” she said.

Air Zimbabwe board chairperson Dr Silvanos Gwarinda also said the opening up of this Zimbabwe-UK Corridor was the clearest sign that the National Airline, Air Zimbabwe, will leave no stone unturned until the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport takes its rightful position as the real and natural Aviation Hub for the SADC Region.

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