By Itai Ndongwe
HARARE – Air Zimbabwe has opened bookings for the resumption of its direct Harare-London passenger service, with promotional fares starting at £490 for a one-way ticket from London and US$495 from Harare.
The national airline will resume scheduled flights between Harare and London Gatwick on 22 July 2026, ending a 14-year suspension of the route. The service will operate three times a week, with departures from Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return flights from London Gatwick will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Air Zimbabwe said the route would be operated from Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
Under the arrangement, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe will manage ticket sales, passenger services and commercial operations for the route.
The return of the direct route restores a connection between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom that was suspended in 2012 due to operational and financial challenges affecting the national carrier.
Information Minister Dr Zhemu Soda recently said the aircraft lease arrangement would allow Air Zimbabwe to restart the route while meeting international aviation requirements. Government officials have linked the move to efforts to improve international connectivity and support tourism, trade, investment, and travel by Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom.
Air Zimbabwe said the Harare-London route was a significant milestone in its efforts to rebuild international operations and strengthen Zimbabwe’s links with key global markets.
The airline said promotional return fares would start at £675 for passengers travelling from London to Harare and US$900 for those travelling from Harare to London, subject to availability and applicable conditions. Bookings are available through Air Zimbabwe’s website, sales offices and accredited travel agents.
The airline said the restored service was expected to contribute to increased connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom while supporting broader economic engagement.
