Air Zimbabwe is set to resume direct flights between Harare and London on July 1, restoring the route for the first time since 2012 through a partnership with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
HARARE — Air Zimbabwe is set to resume direct flights between Harare and London on July 1, ending a 14-year absence from the United Kingdom market and restoring a key air link for travellers and the Zimbabwean diaspora.
According to a report by global travel platform Travel and Tour World, the Harare-London Gatwick service will mark the national carrier’s return to the UK for the first time since it suspended operations on the route in 2012.
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The restoration of the service is expected to improve connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, where a large Zimbabwean community resides. For years, travellers have relied on connecting flights through Europe, the Middle East and regional hubs to reach their destinations.
Travel and Tour World reported 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 support and insurance required for the operation of the long-haul service.
The ACMI model allows airlines to launch or expand routes without immediately purchasing aircraft. Such partnerships are commonly used by carriers seeking to increase capacity or operate routes requiring aircraft they do not currently possess.
Air Zimbabwe last operated direct services to London in 2012 using Boeing 767 aircraft. However, financial difficulties and changing European regulatory requirements forced the airline to suspend the route.
Since then, the national carrier has explored several options to re-enter the UK market. Previous plans included proposals to acquire Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as part of fleet renewal efforts, but those plans were never implemented.
The partnership with Plus Ultra is expected to provide Air Zimbabwe with immediate access to aircraft that meet United Kingdom and European aviation requirements, allowing the airline to return to one of its most important international destinations.
Air Zimbabwe has chosen London Gatwick Airport as its destination in the United Kingdom. The service is expected to cater for the Zimbabwean diaspora, business travellers, students, tourists and government officials.
Tourism industry players also expect the return of direct flights to boost visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom by offering a more convenient travel option to Zimbabwe.
The resumption of the route represents a significant milestone for the national airline as it seeks to rebuild its international network and strengthen links between Zimbabwe and key global markets.
