Zimbabwe’s national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, has announced the return of direct scheduled flights between Harare and London Gatwick, restoring the route for the first time in nearly 15 years.

The service will resume on 22 July 2026, operating three times a week. Flights will depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return services from London Gatwick on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Air Zimbabwe will operate from the South Terminal at London Gatwick Airport.

The restored route marks a significant milestone for the airline and is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment and links with Zimbabwe’s large diaspora community in the United Kingdom.

For years, travellers have relied on connecting flights through regional and Middle Eastern hubs. The direct service will provide a faster and more convenient option for business travellers, tourists, students and families.

Improved connectivity is also expected to boost Zimbabwe’s tourism sector by making attractions such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools and the Eastern Highlands more accessible to European visitors.

Beyond tourism, the route is set to support trade and investment by improving business travel and reinforcing Zimbabwe’s international connectivity as the country continues to expand economic partnerships.

The Harare–London service will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, while Air Zimbabwe will manage ticket sales, passenger services and the commercial operation of the route.

The return of direct Harare–London flights represents more than the revival of a route—it signals a renewed chapter for Zimbabwe’s aviation sector, reconnecting the country with one of its key international markets and opening new opportunities for tourism, business and global engagement.