Staff Writer
Growing demand for Zimbabwe as a tourism and business destination is translating into increased air capacity, with Fastjet Zimbabwe extending its Airbus A320 operations to support rising travel demand during the peak festive season.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo in Masvingo, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, who was standing in for Minister Hon Barbara Rwodzi, said the expanded Fastjet operations would strengthen Zimbabwe’s connectivity with key regional markets and support the growth of the tourism sector.
Hon Mnangagwa announced that Fastjet’s Airbus A320 operations would continue until the end of October 2026 before resuming on December 9, 2026, coinciding with the anticipated increase in passenger movements during the festive season.
According to Hon Mnangagwa, Fastjet will introduce double-daily Airbus A320 flights on the Harare-Johannesburg route during the December peak travel period, while connectivity between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg will also be strengthened.
The Deputy Minister said the increased capacity was an important development for Zimbabwe’s tourism ambitions, as improved air access would make it easier for visitors to reach the country’s major tourism destinations while supporting business and investment linkages.
He said the development was also consistent with Government’s Whole-of-Government approach to route development, air access and seamless connectivity, with aviation playing a critical role in expanding Zimbabwe’s tourism economy.
The increased capacity comes at a time when Zimbabwe is recording strong growth in international tourist arrivals. International arrivals increased from about 380,820 in 2021 to 1.78 million in 2025, highlighting the growing demand for Zimbabwe as a tourism destination.
Hon Mnangagwa said the additional flights would help the country respond to this growing demand while ensuring that improved connectivity translated into wider economic opportunities.
Since commencing operations in Zimbabwe in 2015, Fastjet has facilitated more than four million passengers, with its network linking Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo to Johannesburg and other regional destinations.
The airline’s expanded operations are expected to benefit the wider tourism value chain, including hotels, lodges, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers, attractions, cultural enterprises and communities.
The strengthening of the Victoria Falls-Johannesburg connection is particularly significant as the resort city remains one of Zimbabwe’s major international tourism gateways, while Harare continues to serve as a key entry point for business travellers, tourists and investors.
Hon Mnangagwa said the growth in air capacity should be viewed beyond passenger numbers, as stronger connectivity has the potential to stimulate tourism spending, create employment, attract investment and strengthen linkages between tourism and other sectors of the economy.
The development also comes as Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its tourism offering and encourage visitors to explore destinations beyond the traditional tourism hubs.
Improved regional connectivity is expected to support multi-destination tourism packages, encourage longer visitor stays and increase expenditure across different parts of the country.
With the festive season approaching, the additional Fastjet capacity is expected to provide a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s tourism industry and strengthen the country’s ability to accommodate growing regional and international travel demand.
Hon Mnangagwa said continued collaboration between Government, airlines, tourism authorities, airports and private-sector players would remain critical in converting improved air connectivity into sustainable tourism growth, increased investment and broader economic benefits for Zimbabwe.