Air Zimbabwe has resumed direct scheduled flights between Harare and London, ending a 14-year hiatus after securing a Foreign Operator Permit (FOP) from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.
The permit, granted on 1 July 2026, follows the airline’s compliance with the UK’s stringent operational, safety and governance requirements.
The London route is operated using a 302-seat Airbus A330-300 under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. Under the arrangement, Plus Ultra provides the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe manages ticket sales and the commercial management of the route.
Flight and route details
- Resumption Date: 22 July 2026
- Frequency: Three weekly flights, departing Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return flights from London Gatwick South Terminal on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Route: Harare (Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport) to London Gatwick (South Terminal).
- Promotional fares: One-way tickets start from US$495 / £490, while return fares start from US$900 / £675.
- Cargo capacity: 30 tonnes.
- Bookings: Available through the Air Zimbabwe website www.airzimbabwe.aero, Air Zimbabwe sales offices and travel agents.
Baggage allowance
- Economy Class: 2 x 23kg checked bags.
- Business Class: 3 x 23kg checked bags.
- Cabin baggage: 1 x 10kg.
Extra baggage
Harare to London 0-23kgs 150usd (prepaid) at check-in 12usd per kg.
London to Harare 0-23kgs 150pounds (prepaid) at check-in 10pounds per kg
Who the route is ideal for
The service is expected to benefit a wide range of travellers and customers, including:
- The Zimbabwean diaspora travelling home.
- Business and corporate travellers.
- Tourists visiting Zimbabwe or the United Kingdom.
- Students.
- Government and diplomatic travellers.
- Cargo and export customers.
Inflight services and special assistance
Passengers have complimentary access to Air Zimbabwe’s wireless inflight entertainment platform, which can be used on compatible mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Travellers are encouraged to bring their own headphones.
Passengers requiring special assistance, including wheelchair services or other accessibility support, are advised to notify Air Zimbabwe or their travel agent at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.