Tinotenda Hove – Air Zimbabwe is preparing to restart direct services between Harare and London Gatwick on 1 July 2026, marking the first time in over a decade that the national carrier will serve the UK market.

The revival will be made possible through a 13-month wet-lease (ACMI) agreement with Spain-based carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which will operate the flights on Air Zimbabwe’s behalf using Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. The arrangement was facilitated by Chapman Freeborn Aviation Services.

According to a statement released by Plus Ultra and circulated via the Spanish news agency Europa Press, the flights will operate several times a week under the Air Zimbabwe flight code, despite the aircraft being operated by the Spanish airline.

The deal enables Air Zimbabwe to re-enter a key long-haul route even though it remains under restrictions from flying into European Union airspace due to its inclusion on the EU Air Safety List, which is tied to international aviation safety compliance standards.

Plus Ultra currently operates a fleet of Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, though the specific aircraft assigned to the Zimbabwe service has not been disclosed.

Air Zimbabwe last flew to London in December 2011, when it suspended its Boeing 767-200 operations amid mounting financial challenges, creditor pressure, and regulatory difficulties.

Since then, multiple efforts to restore the route have stalled, despite sustained demand from Zimbabwe’s diaspora in the United Kingdom and potential cargo opportunities, particularly in horticultural exports.

The relaunch forms part of a broader turnaround programme at the airline under the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), which now owns the carrier on behalf of the State.

MIF chief executive officer John Mangudya is spearheading the restructuring initiative, which includes plans to restore key international routes such as the London service as part of efforts to stabilise and modernise the airline.