Business Correspondent
Air Zimbabwe is set to resume scheduled flights between Harare and Johannesburg from August 19, restoring a key regional air link between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The national airline will operate the Harare–Johannesburg route three times a week, with services scheduled for Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The move is expected to provide passengers with additional travel options between the two major southern African cities while strengthening business, tourism and family links between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The resumption of the route comes as Air Zimbabwe seeks to rebuild and expand its regional and international network. The Johannesburg route is particularly significant because South Africa remains an important destination for Zimbabwean business travellers, tourists, students and people travelling for medical, commercial and family-related reasons.
Johannesburg also serves as a major aviation hub for the region.
The return of Air Zimbabwe to the route is also likely to increase competition on one of the busiest international links connecting Zimbabwe with South Africa.
Air Zimbabwe has been pursuing a broader fleet and network expansion strategy. Earlier this year, the airline outlined plans to acquire six aircraft over three years at an estimated cost of US$775.5 million, with the investment intended to support the expansion of domestic, regional and international operations. The plan includes two aircraft for domestic operations, two regional jets and two long-haul wide-body aircraft.
The airline has also expanded its international ambitions this year. In July, Air Zimbabwe began operating flights between Harare and London Gatwick three times a week, using an Airbus A330-300 under an ACMI wet-lease arrangement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
