New Harare-Mutare air routes set for launch ahead of Tourism Expo

By Evans Jona

As anticipation builds for next month’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo, state-owned airline Air Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (Air Zim) has announced the introduction of daily return flights between Harare and Mutare, marking a strategic step in the national carrier’s efforts to expand domestic connectivity and boost Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.

The 2025 edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani, Zimbabwe’s premier international tourism exhibition, is scheduled to run from September 10 to 12 in Mutare, the provincial capital of Manicaland. This year, the expo will place special emphasis on the province’s adventure tourism offerings, highlighting investment opportunities and reaffirming Manicaland’s strategic role in Zimbabwe’s broader tourism industry.

In a statement, Air Zimbabwe confirmed that the daily return flights will operate from September 8 to 14, providing convenient transport for exhibitors, delegates, and visitors attending the expo. “This timely addition to the flight schedule forms part of Air Zimbabwe’s strategic turnaround initiatives, which include expanding the national carrier’s route network and improving domestic connectivity,” the airline said.

Edmund Makona, Air Zimbabwe’s Chief Executive Officer, described the flights as a pilot project designed to test market demand and evaluate the long-term viability of the Harare-Mutare route. “If the demand is there, Air Zimbabwe will be ready to make it a permanent feature of our network,” he said.

The initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to making travel within Zimbabwe easier, more convenient, and more accessible, while supporting the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality’s broader objectives of growing the sector. By offering a direct air link between Harare and Mutare, the airline is ensuring that the expo is within reach of national and international participants who may otherwise face long road journeys or logistical challenges.

Passengers will also benefit from connectivity between Victoria Falls, Harare, and Mutare, enabling multi-destination travel across key tourism hubs in Zimbabwe. Air Zimbabwe emphasized that the flights are a reaffirmation of the carrier’s role as a key enabler of tourism growth and as a committed partner in showcasing Zimbabwe’s attractions to the world. “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,” the airline noted.

The national carrier has been coordinating closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), National Handling Services, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to ensure that all infrastructure and support services are in place for seamless operations. However, this publication is still awaiting confirmation from ACZ on the current status of the aerodrome in Mutare, including upgrades or facilities to accommodate the additional flights.

The launch of this route not only underscores Air Zimbabwe’s strategic focus on domestic tourism but also reflects the growing importance of Manicaland as a hub for business, adventure tourism, and regional trade. With the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo set to attract thousands of visitors, including international exhibitors, the daily flights are expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, hospitality sector, and tourism-related enterprises.

As Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists, the Harare-Mutare air link represents a concrete step towards improving access, enhancing travel convenience, and strengthening the national tourism infrastructure. The coming weeks will reveal whether the route’s success during the expo period will warrant its permanent addition to Air Zimbabwe’s domestic network.