By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE– Government has announced that Air Zimbabwe will resume direct flights between Harare and London by the end of July 2026, Express Mail Zim can report.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, following a Cabinet briefing on the airline’s turnaround strategy on Tuesday.
This marks the return of the route after a 14-year hiatus since it was suspended in 2012.
“The President’s engagement and re-engagement policy continues to open doors and rebuild vital international bridges for our nation,” Mhona said. “The nation is advised that the airline will resume operations by the end of July 2026.”
The service will be operated with a leased Airbus A330-300 from Plus Ultra of Spain, with capacity for 302 passengers in a 30 business class and 272 economy configuration. Air Zimbabwe will operate three weekly flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The revival has been driven by the Mutapa Investment Fund, the state’s sovereign wealth fund and sole shareholder of the airline.
MIF chief executive Dr John Mangudya said the fund was focused on restoring state enterprises to productivity.
“That is why the Mutapa Investment Fund was formed to transform these state-owned enterprises so that they can go back to the glory years by ensuring that we sweat their assets and transform the way they are doing business,” Mangudya said.
The direct route is projected to strengthen connectivity with Zimbabwe’s diaspora in the United Kingdom, boost tourism, and provide a direct export channel for the country’s horticulture sector.
Government said the development is in line with Vision 2030 objectives of economic growth, investment promotion, and improved ease of doing business.
