Air Zimbabwe to resume direct London flights

CLOUDINE MATOLA

National carrier Air Zimbabwe will resume direct flights between Harare and London by the end of this month, ending a 14-year hiatus after securing the regulatory approvals required to re-enter the lucrative United Kingdom route, Business Times can report.

The Harare-London service was suspended in 2012 following financial constraints and regulatory challenges that forced the airline to withdraw from one of its most strategic international routes.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona said Air Zimbabwe had finally obtained the necessary operating clearance from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), paving the way for the resumption of direct services.

“For the past 14 years we were not flying into London, and eventually we have made it. We were seized with the matter of getting a licence, which we finally got. That will allow us to fly directly into London,” Mhona said.

He said the route would significantly strengthen Zimbabwe’s aviation connectivity by reducing travel time and improving convenience for passengers while enhancing the country’s international air links.

“The route is very lucrative, and we are happy that we will eventually increase the frequency. We will be starting with three flights per week, and we believe that in the short term we will be having daily flights,” he said.

Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said Air Zimbabwe would operate the route using a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Spain-based Plus Ultra.

“The airline will utilise a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Plus Ultra in Spain with a total capacity of 302 seats, comprising 30 business class and 272 economy class seats,” he said.