Staff Writer
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, said the Harare-London direct flight will strengthen tourism and enhance people to people ties between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
Min Mhona was delivering a keynote address at a welcome dinner held in honour of Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick Flights celebration, at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London, marking the national carrier’s return to direct flights between the two cities after a 16-year hiatus.
Min Mhona described the milestone as the most visible expression of Zimbabwe’s re-engagement agenda, manifested in the skies, noting that the restored route will strengthen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties between Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and Europe.
The Minister said the flight, which touched down at Gatwick Airport at 08:10AM (Thursday) carried more than passengers, but renewed friendship, restored confidence and reciprocal opportunity.
Min Mhona paid tribute to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority for the thorough and equitable process that culminated in the granting of the Foreign Operator Permit to Air Zimbabwe, stressing that the permit was earned on merit and would be kept on merit. He urged Zimbabweans in the diaspora, British investors and the broader business community to embrace the route as it reconnects Zimbabwe with the world.
Speaking at the same event, Air Zimbabwe Board Chair, Dr. Silvanos Gwarinda, echoed the sentiment, casting the inaugural flight as a defining moment for the national carrier:
“The inaugural Harare–London flight marked more than the restoration of an international route. It symbolised the renewal of Air Zimbabwe’s presence on the global aviation network and reaffirmed our commitment to connecting people, markets and opportunities. As the Board, we remain firmly committed to providing sound corporate governance, strategic oversight and responsible stewardship to ensure that Air Zimbabwe is built on the foundations of safety, regulatory compliance and operational excellence.”
He emphasised that the airline’s renewed international footprint rests on a governance framework intended to restore public trust, modernise fleet and service standards, and establish Air Zimbabwe as a dependable partner in both regional and global aviation.