By Princess Eugene Majuru
The return of Air Zimbabwe’s direct flights between Harare and London marks more than the restoration of an international air route—it signals a new era of opportunity for Zimbabwe’s export sector, tourism industry and wider economy.
After a 15-year absence, Air Zimbabwe has resumed scheduled direct services between Harare and London Gatwick Airport, reconnecting Zimbabwe with one of its most important international markets. The inaugural flight carried passengers alongside fresh horticultural produce, including sugar snap peas and mange tout, demonstrating the strategic importance of the route for Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports. The restored connection is expected to significantly strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in the United Kingdom by reducing transport times, lowering logistics costs and preserving the cold chain for highly perishable products.
Among those welcoming the development is ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru, who described horticulture as the sector best positioned to benefit immediately from the direct service.
“Horticulture is the first sector that should respond because time is part of the product for exporters of perishable products,” said Majuru.
He explained that Zimbabwe already exports blueberries, citrus fruits, peas, vegetables and several other fresh produce items to the United Kingdom. The country’s favourable climate allows growers to supply fresh produce during periods when production in Britain and much of Europe is significantly lower, giving Zimbabwean farmers a valuable competitive advantage.
Majuru noted that products such as blueberries, avocados, citrus, fine beans, chillies, herbs, sugar snap peas, mange tout and cut flowers require strict temperature control throughout the supply chain. Every hour saved in transit helps maintain freshness, improves shelf life and increases the value of produce on supermarket shelves.
For years, the absence of direct flights forced exporters to ship produce through regional and international hubs, increasing handling, extending delivery times and risking breaks in the cold chain.
“Every additional hour spent at an airport, every unnecessary transfer between aircraft and every break in the cold chain reduces freshness and commercial value,” Majuru said.
According to Majuru, the resumption of direct flights removes one of the biggest logistical barriers facing Zimbabwean exporters.
With fewer stopovers and shorter transit times, fresh produce can now reach UK markets more quickly, enabling exporters to secure better prices while reducing the likelihood of rejected consignments due to deterioration in quality.
The development comes at a particularly important time as global aviation continues to face challenges arising from conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, which have disrupted traditional air routes, increased freight costs and reduced cargo capacity worldwide.
Majuru believes the direct route provides Zimbabwean exporters with a timely opportunity to regain market share and strengthen their position in one of the country’s most valuable export destinations. Trade statistics further highlight the importance of the UK market. Zimbabwe exported goods worth US$21.26 million to the United Kingdom in 2025, with edible fruit, vegetables, roots and nuts accounting for nearly 37 percent of total exports.
The figures underline horticulture’s growing contribution to Zimbabwe’s export earnings and demonstrate the significant economic opportunities available if production and exports continue to expand. Historically, Zimbabwe was recognised as one of Africa’s leading horticultural exporters. During the period between November 1999 and October 2000, more than 7 million kilograms of horticultural produce were airfreighted to the United Kingdom, averaging approximately 146 tonnes every week.
The restoration of direct flights presents an opportunity for the country to reclaim some of that former status. Industry stakeholders have also welcomed the return of the route.
Export Produce Growers Association of Zimbabwe Chairperson and Kuminda Chief Executive Officer Clarence Mwale said direct flights would reduce transport costs and enable Zimbabwean produce to reach British consumers within 24 hours.
He noted that exporters had struggled with rising freight charges after the suspension of direct flights, forcing many businesses to rely on longer and more expensive routes through South Africa.
The resumed Air Zimbabwe service is therefore expected to improve efficiency while enhancing the international competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s fresh produce against suppliers from countries such as Kenya, Egypt and Peru. Beyond horticulture, the direct Harare-London connection is expected to benefit tourism, business travel, investment and the Zimbabwean diaspora by improving connectivity between the two countries.
Air Zimbabwe has resumed operations using its Airbus A330-300 aircraft and will operate three weekly flights between Harare and London Gatwick. The successful inaugural flights carried 1,479 passengers and more than 30 tonnes of cargo, demonstrating strong demand for the route from both travellers and exporters. For Zimbabwe’s horticultural industry, the return of direct flights represents more than convenience. It restores confidence, improves access to premium international markets and provides exporters with a faster, more reliable route to consumers.
As Allan Majuru emphasised, speed is not simply about transportation—it is an essential component of the product itself. By reducing transit times, protecting freshness and strengthening supply chains, Air Zimbabwe’s return to London has the potential to unlock significant export growth, increase foreign currency earnings and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s broader economic development. For growers, exporters and thousands of workers employed throughout the horticultural value chain, the return of Air Zimbabwe’s London route is a welcome development that could help position Zimbabwe once again among Africa’s leading suppliers of premium fresh produce.
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