Air Zimbabwe Resumes Nonstop Flights Between Harare and London Gatwick After 14 Years
Air Zimbabwe is set to restore a vital direct air link with the United Kingdom. Starting July 22, 2026, the national carrier will launch scheduled nonstop passenger services between Harare and London Gatwick. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); This marks the return of direct flights after a 14-year absence, offering travellers a more convenient connection between Zimbabwe and the UK. The new service will operate three times per week. Flights from Harare will depart on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Return flights from London Gatwick will leave on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); All operations will use Gatwick’s South Terminal, providing easy access for passengers arriving in or departing from London. Wet-Lease Partnership with Plus UltraAir Zimbabwe will initially operate the route using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The plane comes through an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) wet-lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Under this deal, Plus Ultra supplies the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance. Air Zimbabwe handles ticket sales, passenger services, and overall commercial operations. This partnership serves as a practical solution while Air Zimbabwe strengthens its own capabilities. It also ensures compliance with international safety and regulatory standards required for UK operations. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Boost for Tourism, Business, and Diaspora Ties The relaunch brings significant benefits. It strengthens international connectivity for Zimbabwe and supports growth in tourism and business travel. The route also improves links with the large Zimbabwean diaspora in the United Kingdom, making visits home easier and more affordable. Many travellers currently rely on indirect journeys with long layovers in hubs like Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi. Direct flights will cut travel time and reduce fatigue, especially welcome for families, business professionals, and tourists. To build demand, Air Zimbabwe has introduced attractive promotional fares. One-way tickets start at US$495 from Harare to London and £490 from London to Harare. These introductory prices make the new service accessible to a wide range of passengers. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Photo Credit: Mark Bess, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons What Passengers Can Expect The Airbus A330-300 offers a two-class configuration with approximately 302 seats: 30 in business class and 272 in economy. Passengers can look forward to comfortable long-haul travel with Zimbabwean hospitality onboard. Flights will follow convenient overnight schedules. This timing allows travellers to maximise their time at either end of the journey. Bookings are now available through Air Zimbabwe’s website and authorised agents. A Milestone in Airline Recovery The return to London represents an important milestone for Air Zimbabwe. The route was once a flagship service for the carrier. Its suspension in 2012 left a gap that indirect flights could not fully fill. Restarting direct operations signals progress in the airline’s recovery and modernisation efforts. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Government officials and industry stakeholders have welcomed the news. They see the flights as a boost to Zimbabwe’s economy through increased tourism revenue, trade opportunities, and stronger people-to-people connections with the UK. Conclusion Air Zimbabwe’s return to London Gatwick strengthens Zimbabwe’s place in global aviation. It offers a reliable, comfortable, and direct option for thousands of travellers each year. This development is great news for the travelling public and marks an exciting new chapter for Air Zimbabwe. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); });