Air Zimbabwe Revives Harare-London Route After 14-Year Hiatus

Air Zimbabwe is set to make a significant return to the international aviation market with the resumption of direct flights between Harare and London on 1 July, marking the restoration of the route after a 14-year suspension.

The national airline announced that the service will operate under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which will provide the aircraft and operational support while flights are marketed and operated under the Air Zimbabwe brand.

The Harare-London route, once a key international connection for Zimbabwe, was discontinued in 2012 amid financial and operational challenges facing the airline.

Air Zimbabwe said the relaunch of the service is expected to enhance travel convenience for passengers, strengthen trade, investment and tourism ties, and provide a direct air link between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.

The development represents a major milestone in the airline’s ongoing turnaround strategy and broader efforts to rebuild and expand its international route network, positioning the national carrier to play a greater role in connecting Zimbabwe to global markets.

Industry observers say the return of the route is likely to boost confidence in the aviation sector while supporting economic engagement between Zimbabwe and one of its key international partners.

By Witness A Phiri