Zimbabwe’s growing appeal as a tourism and business destination is translating into increased air capacity, with Fastjet Zimbabwe extending its Airbus A320 operations ahead of the peak festive travel season.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo in Masvingo, where Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, representing Minister Barbara Rwodzi, confirmed that A320 operations will continue through October 2026 before resuming on December 9.

During the December peak period, Fastjet will introduce double-daily Airbus A320 flights between Harare and Johannesburg, while also strengthening connectivity between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.

The expanded capacity comes as Zimbabwe continues to see a rise in international tourist arrivals. Arrivals increased from about 380,820 in 2021 to 1.78 million in 2025, creating greater demand for reliable and convenient air access to the country’s major tourism destinations.

Since launching operations in Zimbabwe in 2015, Fastjet has carried more than four million passengers, connecting Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo with Johannesburg and other regional destinations.

For Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, the additional flights could mean more than increased passenger numbers. Hotels, lodges, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers, attractions, cultural enterprises and local communities all stand to benefit from increased visitor movement.

The move also supports Government’s Whole-of-Government approach to route development and improved air connectivity, positioning aviation as an important part of Zimbabwe’s broader tourism and economic growth strategy.

As the festive season approaches, the increased capacity signals growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism market while making it easier for visitors to reach some of the country’s most important destinations.