Air Zimbabwe is set to resume direct flights between Harare and London on 1 July, ending a 14-year absence from the United Kingdom market and restoring a key air link between Zimbabwe and one of its largest diaspora communities.
According to a report by Travel and Tour World, the Harare-London Gatwick service will mark the national carrier’s return to the UK since the suspension of its London operations in 2012 due to fleet and operational challenges.
The development is expected to significantly improve connectivity for travellers, businesses, tourists and Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom, many of whom have relied on connecting flights through Europe, the Middle East and other regional hubs for more than a decade.
A report published by Travel and Tour World indicates that the route will operate under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
Under the arrangement, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance services and insurance required for the operation of the route.
The ACMI partnership will enable Air Zimbabwe to relaunch long-haul services without waiting for the acquisition of new aircraft or the completion of fleet modernisation programmes.
Industry experts note that ACMI agreements are widely used by airlines seeking to expand capacity quickly or operate routes for which they do not currently have suitable aircraft.
Air Zimbabwe last operated direct flights to London in 2012 using Boeing 767 aircraft before financial constraints and evolving European regulatory requirements forced the airline to suspend the service.
Since then, the national carrier has explored several options to re-enter the UK market, including proposed fleet renewal programmes centred on the acquisition of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. However, those plans did not materialise, delaying the restoration of the route.
The partnership with Plus Ultra is expected to provide Air Zimbabwe with immediate access to aircraft that meet United Kingdom and European aviation standards, allowing the airline to resume services to one of its most important international destinations.
London Gatwick Airport has been selected as the airline’s UK destination, providing passengers with direct access to one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
The route is expected to attract strong demand from the Zimbabwean diaspora community, business travellers, students, tourists and government officials travelling between the two countries.
Tourism operators have also welcomed the development, saying the direct service is likely to boost visitor arrivals from the UK by providing a more convenient and efficient travel option to Zimbabwe.
The resumption of direct flights is being viewed as a significant milestone for Air Zimbabwe as it seeks to rebuild its international network and strengthen its presence in key global markets.
