Air Zimbabwe schedules Gatwick return flight for late July

Air Zimbabwe scheduled its official return to London Gatwick for the end of July 2026, ending a 14-year absence from the route. The national carrier will operate three weekly flights using an Airbus A330 leased from Spanish operator Plus Ultra. The airline previously suspended the direct route in 2012 due to mounting debts and threats of aircraft seizure by international creditors. Government officials expect the revived connection to boost bilateral trade and ease travel for the UK-based Zimbabwean diaspora. The carrier faces immediate financial pressure to maintain profitable passenger loads amid high fuel costs. Intense competition from regional airlines also threatens the long-term viability of the route.