By Nigel Pfunde
HARARE – The impending resumption of direct Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and London Gatwick, facilitated by the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), is expected to deliver major economic dividends for the national economy, including strengthened diaspora linkages, a surge in tourism arrivals, and significant employment creation across the aviation value chain.
The route, which remains on course for relaunch after a 14-year hiatus, will see Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas provide an Airbus A330 under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance arrangement, while Air Zimbabwe markets and sells tickets under its own flight code.
MIF Chief Executive Officer John Mangudya said the service aligns with a wider strategy to revive strategic state entities under the fund’s portfolio for instance positive inroads being made in breathing life to the National Railways of Zimbabwe which was in comatose.
“The service would return in the first half of 2026 as part of a broader airline revival strategy, which includes the sale of certain aircraft to streamline operations,” Mangudya said.
Economic analysts note that the direct link is poised to strengthen connections with Zimbabwe’s sizeable diaspora in the United Kingdom, directly supporting remittances, trade, and investment flows. The route is also expected to revive the export channel for horticulture and other perishables, which historically reached United Kingdom shelves within a day of harvest.
In the tourism sector, industry players have hailed the development as a catalyst for growth.
“This route is a game-changer for inbound tourism. Direct access from the UK will make Zimbabwe a more attractive package for tour operators and will drive arrivals into Victoria Falls, Hwange and our cultural sites,” a senior official with the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism said. “More visitors mean more bookings, more guides hired, and more revenue circulating in local communities.”
The whole aviation sector will benefit and it also helps connectivity as we move into a global village.
