By Dickson Bandera
Mutare is set to rejoin Zimbabwe’s air map as Air Zimbabwe reintroduces passenger flights to the Eastern Highlands city, complementing the existing road and rail networks.
The national airline has announced daily return flights between Harare and Mutare ahead of the 2025 Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
The service will operate from September 8 to 14, offering exhibitors, delegates, and visitors a faster, more convenient travel option to access the global tourism showcase scheduled for September 10–12.
Air Zimbabwe has also indicated that the flights may continue beyond the Expo, subject to market demand. This move is not just about logistics—it signals the airline’s renewed commitment to customer-centered growth and a forward-looking strategy.
Flights will operate through Grand Reef Aerodrome, creating a direct air link into the host city and underscoring Air Zimbabwe’s confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism economy.
Chief Executive Officer Edmund Makona described the Harare–Mutare service as a pilot project to test viability.
“We are testing the market, understanding demand, and exploring the long-term prospects of this route. If the demand is there, Air Zimbabwe will be ready to make it a permanent feature of our network,” Makona said.
Air Zimbabwe is currently pursuing a turnaround strategy anchored on strengthening domestic connectivity, expanding cargo services, and growing charter opportunities. Its scheduled routes now cover Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and Johannesburg, with additional charter and cargo options available for local and international clients.
The Harare–Mutare link reflects a pragmatic approach: start small, test the waters, and expand where demand is strongest.
Meanwhile, the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo has grown into one of Africa’s premier tourism fairs. Organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), it brings together local operators, international buyers, and investors through exhibitions, conferences, and networking sessions. Hosting this year’s edition in Mutare shines a spotlight on the Eastern Highlands—home to the Vumba Botanical Gardens, Chimanimani ranges, Mtarazi Falls, and Nyanga National Park.
Zimbabwe’s wider tourism landscape also continues to impress, with Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe monuments, Hwange National Park, and Lake Kariba recently securing the country a place on Kayak’s Top Destinations for 2025.
If the Harare–Mutare flights extend beyond the Expo, they will represent more than the revival of a single route. They will mark a step toward reconnecting Zimbabwe’s skies, deepening domestic tourism, and restoring Air Zimbabwe’s long-cherished flight path to glory.
