Air Zimbabwe Launches Harare–Mutare Flights to Boost Domestic Tourism and Expo Access

Air Zimbabwe is set to reinvigorate domestic travel with the launch of daily return flights between Harare and Mutare, scheduled from 8 to 14 September 2025. This timely move comes in response to the anticipated surge in demand linked to the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo, which will be hosted in Mutare from 10 to 12 September. The event is expected to draw a vibrant mix of international exhibitors, delegates, and visitors, providing a major boost to Zimbabwe’s tourism profile.

For years, the lack of direct air connectivity within Zimbabwe has posed challenges for both local and international travelers, often making multi-destination itineraries cumbersome. Air Zimbabwe’s latest announcement signals a strategic pivot, with the carrier emphasizing its commitment to expanding the domestic network and improving accessibility to key regional centers. The airline’s leadership views this initiative as a critical component of a broader turnaround strategy, one that aims to both capitalize on major tourism events and lay the groundwork for sustained growth in the country’s aviation sector.

According to Edmund Makona, Air Zimbabwe’s Chief Executive Officer, the Harare–Mutare service is being introduced as a pilot project. “We are testing the market, understanding demand, and exploring the long-term viability of this route. If the demand is there, Air Zimbabwe will be ready to make it a permanent feature of our network,” Makona explained. This forward-looking approach is designed to foster a deeper understanding of passenger needs while evaluating the economic potential of new domestic routes—a critical consideration for national airlines across Africa seeking to optimize their operations in a competitive landscape.

The introduction of this route is poised to create new multi-destination travel opportunities within Zimbabwe. Passengers will be able to move seamlessly between Victoria Falls, Harare, and Mutare, unlocking itineraries that were previously difficult or time-consuming to arrange. For the African travel sector, this connectivity not only enhances the appeal of Zimbabwe as a destination but also provides a template for how other markets can leverage domestic routes to stimulate tourism and business travel.

Importantly, the Harare–Mutare flights will also serve as a vital link for travelers from Mutare seeking regional and international connections via Harare. With Harare International Airport serving as a key hub for flights across Africa and beyond, this new domestic service will facilitate easier access for communities in eastern Zimbabwe to a wider array of destinations. This is particularly significant for the sub-Saharan business and leisure market, where improved connectivity can have a ripple effect on economic activity, trade, and cross-border partnerships.

The operational rollout of the new service has been a collaborative effort, bringing together the expertise and resources of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), National Handling Services (NHS), and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). This multi-agency partnership has ensured that all regulatory, infrastructural, and service delivery elements are aligned to support a smooth and efficient launch. It also underscores the importance of coordination between aviation, tourism, and government stakeholders in delivering quality travel experiences.

“Air Zimbabwe is more than an airline, we are a bridge that connects people, cultures, and opportunities. 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,” Makona emphasized. This sentiment resonates strongly within the African travel industry, where national carriers are increasingly seen as catalysts for socio-economic development, cultural exchange, and regional integration.

Recognizing the importance of frictionless booking and payment experiences, Air Zimbabwe has partnered with PayNow to enable online payments for pre-booked tickets. This integration brings greater convenience to travelers and aligns with the broader digital transformation sweeping through the African travel ecosystem. With mobile and online payments becoming the norm, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, such solutions are crucial for attracting tech-savvy customers and supporting the growth of the domestic aviation market.

The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo stands out as one of Africa’s premier tourism fairs, offering a showcase for Zimbabwe’s rich natural and cultural heritage. By aligning flight schedules with this event, Air Zimbabwe is positioning itself as an enabler of tourism-driven economic growth, while also highlighting the country’s readiness to host international gatherings. The influx of global visitors for the expo will provide valuable insights into passenger demand, route performance, and service expectations, all of which will inform future network expansion and operational enhancements.

For travel professionals across Africa, the launch of the Harare–Mutare route is a timely reminder of the importance of flexible, responsive service models in today’s fast-evolving travel landscape. The willingness of Air Zimbabwe to pilot new services, invest in partnerships, and leverage technology reflects a broader trend toward innovation and customer-centricity in African aviation. As demand patterns shift and new opportunities emerge, airlines that can quickly adapt will be best positioned to capture market share and drive the next wave of growth.

Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will be closely watched not only by Zimbabwe’s tourism stakeholders but also by regional carriers and travel businesses seeking to replicate its approach. Whether the Harare–Mutare flights become a permanent fixture will depend on traveler uptake and market feedback, but the willingness to experiment and invest in domestic connectivity bodes well for the resilience and dynamism of Southern Africa’s travel sector.

As the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo draws near, Zimbabwe’s aviation and tourism industries stand poised to reap the benefits of renewed confidence, enhanced infrastructure, and a growing appetite for local and regional travel. The launch of daily flights between Harare and Mutare is more than just an operational milestone—it is a signal of ambition, collaboration, and belief in the transformative power of mobility across the continent.