HARARE, Zimbabwe, 10 june 2026— Air Zimbabwe is preparing to restore direct flights between Harare and London for the first time in more than 14 years, marking a significant milestone in the national carrier’s ongoing turnaround strategy.
The airline is targeting 1 July 2026 for the relaunch of the route through a long-term Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
Under the 13-month arrangement, Plus Ultra will provide an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, flight crews, maintenance support, and insurance while the service operates under the Air Zimbabwe brand.
The partnership enables the Zimbabwean flag carrier to return to the lucrative UK market without relying on its currently grounded long-haul fleet.
The Harare–London route was suspended in 2012 amid financial difficulties, fleet challenges, and increasing regulatory requirements.
Since then, Zimbabwean travelers heading to the United Kingdom have largely depended on connecting flights through hubs in the Middle East, Southern Africa, and Europe.
The return of direct service is expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve convenience for passengers.
Industry observers view the move as a major step in Air Zimbabwe’s recovery efforts. The route is expected to serve a broad customer base, including Zimbabwe’s large diaspora community in the United Kingdom, business travelers, students, tourists, and government officials.
Tourism stakeholders also anticipate increased visitor arrivals from the UK, one of Zimbabwe’s historically important source markets.
The ACMI model has become increasingly popular among airlines seeking rapid market access while avoiding the substantial costs associated with acquiring or leasing aircraft independently.
For Air Zimbabwe, the arrangement offers a practical solution to operational and regulatory constraints that have delayed the carrier’s return to long-haul international markets.
According to aviation industry reports, the agreement was facilitated by aviation specialist Chapman Freeborn Aviation Services and will see flights operate several times per week between Harare and London Gatwick Airport.
The relaunch also aligns with broader efforts by the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), Air Zimbabwe’s shareholder, to revive the airline and restore key international routes.
MIF Chief Executive Officer John Mangudya has repeatedly highlighted the London route as a cornerstone of the carrier’s recovery strategy.
Despite the optimism surrounding the announcement, industry analysts note that previous plans to restart the route have failed to materialize.
Discussions on Zimbabwe-focused online forums reveal cautious enthusiasm among travelers, many of whom welcome the return of a direct connection but remain keen to see the service operate reliably over time before fully embracing the relaunch.
If successfully launched, the London service would represent Air Zimbabwe’s most significant international expansion in over a decade and could signal a new chapter for a carrier seeking to rebuild its reputation and reconnect Zimbabwe with major global markets.
With the countdown to July now underway, the aviation industry will be watching closely to see whether the long-awaited return finally takes flight.
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