By Wallace Mawire
An Air Zimbabwe aircraft landing reception and Harare-London route launch ceremony was held at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday 20 July, 2026 following a 16 year hiatus.
Advocate Felix Mhona, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development was guest of honour at the historic occasion which was marked with pomp and fanfare.
The occasion also provided various stakeholders with an opportunity to brush shoulders with colleagues from every walk of the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Advocate Mhona congratulated the Air Zimbabwe Board steered by the Dr. Silvanos Gwarinda and its management led by CEO, Edmund Makona on the successful launch.
‘We appreciate you, the board and management, for your remarkable leadership, which has enabled our flag carrier to demonstrate once again, its renowned hospitality in the air space between Harare and London,” Mhona said.
He said Air Zimbabwe is now one of the investee companies of the Mutapa Investment Fund (IMF), a sovereign wealth investment fund, which was designated as the immediate shareholder of the airline.
He thanked the role played by the former RBZ Governor, Dr. John Mangudya expressing his appreciation in the structuring and application of unique financial models which he said are appropriate for the realisation of the deal.
Mhona appreciated Mangudya’s golden touch towards reviving, recapitalising, stabilising and growing the cake for future generations through the purpose of sovereign wealth institutions.
Stakeholders in the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), the National Handling Services (NHS), the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the entire business fraternity in Zimbabwe were appreciated for attending the ceremony.
Mhona said the fruitfulness of all their efforts is as a result of the enabling working environment inspired by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa whom he said his e strategic leadership since 2017 has catapulted the national fortunes and growth to levels never witnessed before.
He said the President’s lofty and eminent vision, which seeks to grow Zimbabwe to be an Upper Middle-Income Economy by the year 2030 has placed air transportation in its rightful place as it is critical in connecting brand Zimbabwe to regional and international markets, facilitating trade and integral linkages with global supply chains.
“It is our hope therefore that, as this connectivity will facilitate tourism, hospitality, cultural and business exchanges, economic opportunities will boom and people to people relations between and amongst our global citizens will improve,” Mhona said.
A glittering Airbus A330-300 aircraft emblazoned in the country’s national colours was unveiled at the ceremony.
Mhona said the Plus Ultra of Spain, the partners in the initiative said the giant bird has acombined 302 seats, having a configuration of 30 business class and 272 economy seats.
The airline has been deployed for the Harare–London operations, effective 22 July 2026.
Mhona said under the visionary leadership of the President Mnangagwa,the Second Republic has charted a deliberate course towards institutional restoration, economic transformation and strategic re-positioning on the world stage.
He said the re-opening of the air corridor is a symbolic and strategic reassertion of the commitment.
According to Mhona . the National Development Strategy II (2026-2030), places transport and logistics at the strategic center of economic transformation agenda, and does so with clarity and purpose.
He said a modern, integrated, and efficient transport system is not a luxury but a is a necessity.
‘It is the circulatory system through which investment flows, trade moves, tourists arrive, and our young people gain access to global opportunities. Without it, a nation cannot compete, cannot develop, and cannot achieve its potential,” he said.
He added that air transport is the crown jewel of that system and connects the region to the world, facilitates the movement of high-value cargo, attracts international business and investment and enables entrepreneurs to access global markets bringing tourists who spend foreign currency, create jobs and invigorate the hospitality and service sectors.
Advocate Mhona said for 16 yea, a generation of missed opportunities, deferred dreams, and untapped potential Zimbabweans longed for direct air services connecting Harare to London adding that the Harare–London route is no longer an aspiration and is operational and a watershed moment for the nation.
‘For Zimbabweans living and working in the United Kingdom and Europe, this route restores access to home. For investors, entrepreneurs, and Government officials, it opens direct pathways to capital, partnerships, and international engagement. For tourists, it places Zimbabwe with our natural wonders, our wildlife, and our culture; within reach of one of the world’s most affluent markets,” he said.
To all of these stakeholders, the Government of Zimbabwe extends its profound gratitude.
He also sais the response from the market has been exceptionally encouraging within a remarkably short period following the announcement of the route.
Mhona said he was informed that Air Zimbabwe has already recorded 1,479 confirmed passenger bookings which is an extraordinary expression of confidence.
He also said the cargo market has responded equally positively with more than 30 tonnes of cargo having been confirmed for the route, demonstrating the enormous commercial opportunities presented by direct connectivity.
He added that Zimbabwe’s exporters will now enjoy improved access to one of Europe’s largest consumer markets with fresh horticultural produce, pharmaceuticals and other high-value exports reaching international markets more efficiently, strengthening export competitiveness and contributing to increased foreign currency earnings.
‘Every successful nation takes pride in supporting its national airline. A national carrier is more than a commercial enterprise, it carries the national flag, it projects the country’s image internationally, it promotes tourism, supports trade, creates employment, facilitates investment, connects families and contributes directly to national economic development,’ mhona said.
He appealled to all Zimbabweans whether travelling for business, tourism, education or to visit family to support Air Zimbabwe whenever possible.
‘To our business community, to Government institutions, to the tourism sector, to our exporters, and to our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, this is your airline. Its success depends on our collective support,’ he said.
Dr Silvanos Gwarinda, Board Chairperson for Air Zimbabwe said the opening up of the Zimbabwe-UK Corridor is the clearest sign that the national airline, Air Zimbabwe will leave no stone unturned until the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport takes its rightful position as the real and natural aviation hub for the SADC Region.
“We have to maximise on the geographic centrality of Zimbabwe in relation to all the other SADC Countries. A central location is one of the key requirements for a successful aviation hub. As Air Zimbabwe, on our part, we will have to immediately and rigorously commence implementing the Hub-and-Spoke Strategy to enhance accessibility of Zimbabwe. Aviation creates access and access creates value. Any airline that concentrates on improving hub operation and its attractiveness to air travellers is bound to increase the volume of passenger traffic uplift,’ Dr Gwarinda said.
Jo Abbot, Chargee D’Affaires for the British Embassy in Zimbabwe said the launch marks a significant moment for connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
She said air links do more than connect airports but connect people,families,ideas,businesses and opportunities.
She added that as Zimbabwe prepares to take up its seat on the United Nations Security Council, the new direct link to london reflects the country’s growing engagement on the global stage.
