Zimbabwe plans to open a direct route to Russia
Currently, Zimbabwe has no direct air links outside the continent. The southern African country is keen to catch up, and in the process sees a rapprochement with Russia, a nation with which it shares several geopolitical convergences.
Direct flights between Zimbabwe and Russia may be possible in the coming months or years. "We are working towards having the Russian national airline fly to Zimbabwe, and when we have the right equipment, the Zimbabwean airline will fly back. The work is underway," revealed the Speaker of the Zimbabwean National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, in an interview with the Russian news agency SPUTNIK on Sunday 9 October 2022.
According to the official, this issue requires a thorough bilateral review by the ministries of tourism and transport of the two countries beforehand. He expressed the hope that the two parties would reach an agreement quickly, so that the airlines of both countries could launch their operations as soon as possible.
However, the statement could be a mere announcement as Zimbabwe openly displays its support for Russia in its war in Ukraine. "Zimbabwe, even before the referendum, was on Russia's side in trying to understand the root cause of the conflict. Zimbabwe and Russia are victims of sanctions, so they are allies in the battle against sanctions," Mudenda admitted.
At the moment, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria are the only African countries with a direct link to Russia.
