By A Correspondent- Air Zimbabwe has resumed flights to Masvingo after nearly two decades, but the long-awaited return has raised questions about whether the renewed service will become a lasting solution to the province’s poor air connectivity or fade away once the tourism spotlight moves elsewhere.

The national airline has introduced daily return flights linking Harare, Masvingo and Victoria Falls, with the inaugural service touching down at Masvingo Airport on Saturday morning carrying international buyers attending the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.

The passengers were welcomed by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira and other Government officials.
Officials have described the development as an important step towards improving access to Masvingo, particularly for tourists, exhibitors and delegates attending the tourism showcase.

However, the timing of the revival has inevitably raised questions about whether the route is being driven by sustainable passenger demand or the temporary requirements of the tourism expo.

“The resumption of flights to Masvingo is expected to provide exhibitors, delegates and tourists with easier access to the province,” officials said, adding that the operation would also help assess demand for the route.

The airline’s return is particularly notable because Air Zimbabwe last serviced Masvingo in 2007. The 19-year gap has exposed the limitations of Zimbabwe’s domestic aviation network and the difficulties of maintaining regular air services to provincial destinations.

Masvingo is home to major tourism attractions, including Great Zimbabwe, yet the province has struggled to enjoy the kind of air connectivity that could make it easier for international and domestic tourists to reach the destination.

The renewed flights could therefore provide a significant boost to tourism and business if maintained consistently. But questions remain over affordability, reliability and passenger numbers once the Sanganai/Hlanganani event concludes.
Masvingo Airport is also undergoing infrastructure improvements, including an expansion of its terminal, as authorities prepare for potentially higher passenger volumes.

For now, the return of Air Zimbabwe offers a welcome development for the province. But after disappearing from the route for almost 20 years, the airline faces a bigger challenge than simply launching flights: proving that Masvingo will not once again be left without a dependable air connection.

The real measure of success will come after the cameras leave and the tourism expo is over. If the flights continue operating reliably and attract sufficient passengers throughout the year, the revival could mark a genuine improvement in domestic connectivity.

If not, the latest comeback could end up being remembered as another short-lived attempt to put Masvingo back on Zimbabwe’s aviation map.