By Nyasha Chuma
HARARE — Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an interline, codeshare and frequent flyer partnership, a development expected to drive tourism growth by improving air connectivity to Zimbabwe’s key destinations.
The agreement was signed in Harare on Tuesday. Under the partnership, passengers will be able to book a single ticket and check baggage through to final destinations on both airlines. Sales under the new arrangement will commence on August 24 2026.
The collaboration will enable travellers on Etihad to connect onward on Fastjet Zimbabwe to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg on one ticket. The deal also builds on Etihad’s upcoming direct service between Abu Dhabi and Harare, scheduled to launch on March 24 2027.
The new route will extend the airline’s reach beyond the capital to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, giving guests across Etihad’s network a direct way to access Zimbabwe’s major tourism destinations.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is expected to be a major beneficiary as international visitors will now have seamless connections from more than 70 global destinations via Abu Dhabi.
Speaking after the signing, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer Arik De, said Africa remains central to the airline’s growth strategy. “Africa is an important part of Etihad’s growth, and partnerships like this one with Fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests. From Harare to Victoria Falls, travellers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation,” De said.
Fastjet Zimbabwe Chief Executive said the partnership positions Zimbabwe as a more accessible destination for long-haul source markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Industry stakeholders noted that the agreement will support Government’s tourism growth targets by reducing travel time, lowering costs for visitors, and increasing hotel occupancy, tour bookings and foreign currency inflows.
- As part of the MoU, Fastjet Zimbabwe will become Etihad Guest’s 32nd airline partner, with guests set to enjoy frequent flyer benefits across both carriers in the future.
The partnership aligns with Government’s ongoing strategy to open Zimbabwe’s skies and expand international aviation links.
During the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event in 2025, Zimbabwe signed several air service agreements aimed at boosting tourism and trade through code-sharing and airline cooperation.
Fastjet Zimbabwe currently operates domestic flights between Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and regional services to Johannesburg. Etihad Airways operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi to major global hubs.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry welcomed the agreement, saying improved connectivity is key to making Zimbabwe a competitive destination and to growing arrivals ahead of the peak tourism season.
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