Air Zimbabwe to resume direct London flights on July 1

Air Zimbabwe will restart direct flights between Harare and London Gatwick on July 1, ending a 14-year absence from the UK market. The national carrier suspended its London service in 2012 due to fleet and operational challenges, leaving passengers reliant on indirect routes. The new route will operate under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement with Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. This partnership allows Air Zimbabwe to launch the service immediately without needing new aircraft or fleet modernization. The Harare-London Gatwick flights will cater to Zimbabwean diaspora, business travelers, students, tourists, and government officials. Tourism operators anticipate a boost in visitor arrivals from the UK due to the direct travel option. Air Zimbabwe previously attempted to reintroduce the route with plans to acquire Boeing 787 Dreamliners, but those efforts stalled. The ACMI deal with Plus Ultra now enables compliance with UK and European operational regulations, ensuring a smooth restart. London Gatwick was chosen as the destination airport for the service. The airline expects the route to enhance connectivity and economic ties between Zimbabwe and the UK.