Business Reporter
THE Mutapa Investment Fund’s (MIF) facilitated deal has reached a crescendo following the confirmation that Air Zimbabwe will resume the Harare- London flights on July 1 2026.
The developments will break a 14 years old absence from the United Kingdom market in a move expected to connect the Southern Africa nation to one of its largest diaspora market.
MIF CEO ,Dr John Mangudya early this year revealed that the Harare to London direct flight would resume in the year’s first half following the implementation of a revival strategy which would see the national airline disposing some of its planes.
A report published by travelandtourworld.com indicates that with effect from July 1 2026 `the route will operate under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement with Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
The Spanish airline will provide the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance services and insurance required for the operation.
The arrangement allows Air Zimbabwe to relaunch long-haul services without waiting for the acquisition of new aircraft or the completion of fleet modernisation programmes.
ACMI partnerships are commonly used by airlines seeking to expand capacity or operate routes for which they do not currently possess suitable aircraft.
Air Zimbabwe last operated direct flights to London in 2012 using Boeing 767 aircraft before mounting financial pressures and evolving European regulatory requirements forced the airline to suspend the service.
The partnership with Plus Ultra is expected to provide Air Zimbabwe with immediate access to aircraft that meet United Kingdom and European operational and regulatory requirements, enabling the carrier to resume services to one of its most important international destinations.
The airline has selected London Gatwick Airport as its UK destination.
The route is expected to attract a mix of passengers, including the Zimbabwean diaspora community, business travellers, students, tourists and government officials.
Tourism operators also expect the service to boost visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom by providing a direct travel option to Zimbabwe.
