Harare – Air Zimbabwe has announced the launch of daily return flights between Harare and Mutare, set to operate from 8 to 14 September 2025. The move aims to enhance domestic connectivity and provide a convenient travel option for visitors attending the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo, which will be hosted in Mutare this year.
The initiative forms part of the national carrier’s broader turnaround strategy, which seeks to expand its route network, improve access to key tourist destinations, and boost Zimbabwe’s domestic tourism sector. By linking the capital to the scenic Eastern Highlands, Air Zimbabwe hopes to facilitate travel for exhibitors, delegates, and tourists attending the annual Expo, as well as encourage exploration of Manicaland’s natural beauty.
Air Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Mr Edmund Makona, described the operation as a pilot project designed to test market demand and explore the potential for a permanent route.
“We are testing the market, understanding demand, and exploring the long-term viability of this route,” Mr Makona said. “If the demand is there, Air Zimbabwe will be ready to make it a permanent feature of our network.”
The flight schedule has been carefully designed to enable seamless connections, allowing passengers to travel between Victoria Falls, Harare, and Mutare efficiently. By linking multiple destinations, Air Zimbabwe aims to promote multi-destination tourism within the country, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience Zimbabwe’s diverse attractions in a single trip.
Travellers from Mutare will also benefit from improved regional and international connectivity through Harare, giving them access to Air Zimbabwe’s domestic and international network. The airline’s CEO emphasised that the service underscores Air Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to national development.
“Air Zimbabwe is more than an airline; we are a bridge that connects people, cultures, and opportunities,” said Mr Makona. “These Harare–Mutare flights are proof of our dedication to growth, our belief in Zimbabwe’s tourism potential, and our determination to keep the nation flying high.”
Air Zimbabwe Launches Harare–Mutare Flights Ahead of Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo
The introduction of the flights aligns closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s efforts to revitalise Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and showcase the country’s attractions on a global stage. Hosting the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo in Manicaland offers a platform to highlight the region’s natural beauty, economic potential, and investment opportunities to local and international participants.
Air Zimbabwe has worked closely with a number of key stakeholders to ensure the successful launch of the Harare–Mutare route. Partners include the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), National Handling Services (NHS), and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). These collaborations have been critical in putting in place the infrastructure, logistics, and support services required for smooth airline operations.
To enhance customer convenience, the airline has also partnered with PayNow, facilitating online ticket purchases. Passengers can now pre-book flights and make payments from anywhere, ensuring a seamless travel experience and eliminating the need for in-person ticketing.
Analysts say the temporary route is likely to have a significant positive impact on both the Expo and the local economy. Direct air access reduces travel time for visitors, increases attendance at the event, and improves overall visitor experience. By providing a reliable transport option, Air Zimbabwe is helping to create a favorable environment for tourism growth, business development, and investment in Manicaland and beyond.
The Harare–Mutare flights also reinforce the airline’s position as a key enabler of domestic tourism and economic growth. By linking major cities and tourist hubs, Air Zimbabwe is ensuring that more Zimbabweans and international travellers can explore the country efficiently, contributing to revenue generation and employment in tourism-related sectors.
Mr Makona highlighted that the pilot project will be closely monitored, with passenger numbers and demand determining whether the route becomes permanent. The airline has expressed readiness to scale operations if the response is positive, signalling potential expansion to other underserved domestic routes in the future.
As Zimbabwe prepares to welcome international visitors to the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo, the availability of daily flights between Harare and Mutare promises to enhance accessibility, convenience, and overall visitor experience. The route exemplifies Air Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to modernise its operations, support national tourism, and contribute to economic development across the country.
Source- Herald
