Current Affairs Zimbabwe

Tag: Johnmangudya

  • Govt announces resumption of Air Zimbabwe direct flights to London

    Govt announces resumption of Air Zimbabwe direct flights to London

    By Nigel Pfunde

    HARARE– Government has announced that Air Zimbabwe will resume direct flights between Harare and London by the end of July 2026, Express Mail Zim can report.

    The announcement was made by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, following a Cabinet briefing on the airline’s turnaround strategy on Tuesday.

    This marks the return of the route after a 14-year hiatus since it was suspended in 2012.

    “The President’s engagement and re-engagement policy continues to open doors and rebuild vital international bridges for our nation,” Mhona said. “The nation is advised that the airline will resume operations by the end of July 2026.”

    The service will be operated with a leased Airbus A330-300 from Plus Ultra of Spain, with capacity for 302 passengers in a 30 business class and 272 economy configuration. Air Zimbabwe will operate three weekly flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

    The revival has been driven by the Mutapa Investment Fund, the state’s sovereign wealth fund and sole shareholder of the airline.

    MIF chief executive Dr John Mangudya said the fund was focused on restoring state enterprises to productivity.
    “That is why the Mutapa Investment Fund was formed to transform these state-owned enterprises so that they can go back to the glory years by ensuring that we sweat their assets and transform the way they are doing business,” Mangudya said.

    The direct route is projected to strengthen connectivity with Zimbabwe’s diaspora in the United Kingdom, boost tourism, and provide a direct export channel for the country’s horticulture sector.

    Government said the development is in line with Vision 2030 objectives of economic growth, investment promotion, and improved ease of doing business.

  • Harare-London route: Mutapa Investment Fund-driven Air Zim route relaunch set to boost diaspora ties, tourism,jobs

    Harare-London route: Mutapa Investment Fund-driven Air Zim route relaunch set to boost diaspora ties, tourism,jobs

    By Nigel Pfunde 

    HARARE – The impending resumption of direct Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and London Gatwick, facilitated by the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), is expected to deliver major economic dividends for the national economy, including strengthened diaspora linkages, a surge in tourism arrivals, and significant employment creation across the aviation value chain.

    The route, which remains on course for relaunch after a 14-year hiatus, will see Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas provide an Airbus A330 under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance arrangement, while Air Zimbabwe markets and sells tickets under its own flight code.

    MIF Chief Executive Officer John Mangudya said the service aligns with a wider strategy to revive strategic state entities under the fund’s portfolio for instance positive inroads being made in breathing life to the National Railways of Zimbabwe which was in comatose.

    “The service would return in the first half of 2026 as part of a broader airline revival strategy, which includes the sale of certain aircraft to streamline operations,” Mangudya said.

    Economic analysts note that the direct link is poised to strengthen connections with Zimbabwe’s sizeable diaspora in the United Kingdom, directly supporting remittances, trade, and investment flows. The route is also expected to revive the export channel for horticulture and other perishables, which historically reached United Kingdom shelves within a day of harvest.

    In the tourism sector, industry players have hailed the development as a catalyst for growth.

    “This route is a game-changer for inbound tourism. Direct access from the UK will make Zimbabwe a more attractive package for tour operators and will drive arrivals into Victoria Falls, Hwange and our cultural sites,” a senior official with the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism said. “More visitors mean more bookings, more guides hired, and more revenue circulating in local communities.”

    The whole aviation sector will benefit and it also helps connectivity as we move into a global village.