Airlink launches Lanseria–Harare flights from November 2026

Travellers heading to Zimbabwe will soon have another way to reach Harare. From 15 November 2026, South African regional airline Airlink will introduce a new scheduled service between Lanseria International Airport (HLA), northwest of Johannesburg, and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare.

The route is particularly significant because it will be the first-ever scheduled airline service between Lanseria and Zimbabwe's capital, giving passengers an alternative to departing from the busier O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).

Flight schedule

Airlink will operate the route three times a week using a 98-seat Embraer E190 aircraft, featuring 6 Business Class and 92 Economy Class seats

• Monday, Thursday, Saturday: Lanseria 07:00 > 08:40 Harare
• Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Harare 17:45 > 19:25 Lanseria

The Embraer E190 offers a comfortable cabin layout with no middle seats, meaning every passenger enjoys either a window or aisle seat.

Why this new route matters

Johannesburg–Harare is one of Southern Africa's busiest international air routes, carrying substantial business, family and leisure travel throughout the year.

Until now, scheduled flights between the two cities have operated exclusively from O.R. Tambo International Airport. The addition of Lanseria gives travellers more flexibility when choosing departure airports and could prove particularly useful for those based closer to Johannesburg's western suburbs.

For visitors exploring Zimbabwe, Harare is often the starting point for journeys to destinations such as Mana Pools National Park, Eastern Highlands, Lake Kariba or the Great Zimbabwe ruins, while many travellers also continue onwards to Victoria Falls by domestic flight or road.

Bookings now open

Tickets for the new Lanseria–Harare service are already on sale, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 15 November 2026.

Whether you're starting a Zimbabwe self-drive adventure, heading to Victoria Falls via Harare, or combining South Africa and Zimbabwe in one itinerary, the new Lanseria service adds another convenient air connection for exploring Southern Africa.

 

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Air Zimbabwe returns to London after 14-year absence

update 10 July 2026

Air Zimbabwe confirmed that flights between RG Mugabe International Airpot (HRE) in Harare and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London are set to resume on 22 July 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays on board an Airbus A330-300 under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Lienas Aereas.

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Air Zimbabwe is set to resume direct flights between RG Mugabe International Airpot (HRE) in Harare and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London from 01 July 2026, marking the national carrier's return to the UK market after a 14-year absence.

The route was once a cornerstone of Air Zimbabwe's international network before long-haul operations were suspended in 2012. Since then, travellers between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom have relied on one-stop services via hubs such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha, Dubai and Kigali.

The return of non-stop flights will be welcomed by Zimbabweans living in the UK, business travellers and tourists planning trips to destinations such as Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.

For visitors, a direct connection removes the need for lengthy transit stops and makes Zimbabwe more accessible from one of its most important long-haul source markets.

The relaunch also comes at a time when Zimbabwe's tourism industry continues to recover, with growing interest in the country's wildlife, safari and adventure tourism offerings.

Questions remain about the long-term sustainability of the route, with Air Zimbabwe reportedly planning to operate the route through an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which will provide the aircraft and operational support. As with any newly launched route, travellers should keep an eye on schedules and operational updates during the first months of operation.

Nevertheless, the return of direct flights between Harare and London represents one of the most significant developments in Zimbabwean aviation in recent years and could provide a welcome boost for both tourism and business travel.

For travellers heading to Zimbabwe in the second half of 2026, the prospect of a direct flight from London is certainly good news.

 

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Qatar Airways announces major Southern Africa flight expansion

Travellers flying between Southern Africa and the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America will soon enjoy more flexibility and better connections as Qatar Airways expands its Southern African network from June 2026.

The Doha-based airline has confirmed significant frequency increases on several important regional routes, strengthening connectivity to cities including Cape Town, Durban, Maputo, Harare and Lusaka.

The changes come as Qatar Airways continues rebuilding and expanding its global network to more than 160 destinations worldwide, responding to growing demand for both tourism and business travel.

More Qatar Airways flights to Cape Town

One of the biggest winners in the latest schedule expansion is Cape Town, one of Africa’s most in-demand long-haul leisure destinations.

From 16 June 2026, Qatar Airways will increase direct flights between Doha and Cape Town from seven weekly services to ten weekly flights. The added capacity gives travellers more departure options and improved flexibility during peak travel periods.

For international visitors, the additional flights make it easier to reach the Mother City with smoother onward connections via Hamad International Airport (DOH). The expanded schedule also benefits South African travellers connecting onward to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Cape Town has become an increasingly important destination for international tourism, attracting visitors with its beaches, wine estates, mountain scenery, food culture and growing remote-work appeal.

Durban and Maputo upgraded to daily flights

Travellers heading to Durban or Maputo will also see a major improvement in connectivity.

Qatar Airways will upgrade its linked Doha–Maputo–Durban route from four weekly services to a full daily operation. The move significantly improves travel flexibility for both holidaymakers and corporate travellers.

For Durban, the additional capacity strengthens international access to KwaZulu-Natal’s beaches, safari destinations and cruise tourism market. Meanwhile, Maputo benefits from stronger links to global business hubs and international tourism markets.

Daily operations also make trip planning far easier, especially for travellers combining multiple Southern African destinations in one itinerary.

Daily flights for Lusaka and Harare

The interconnected Doha–Lusaka–Harare service is likewise being upgraded from five weekly flights to a daily schedule.

The increased frequency improves access to both Lusaka and Harare, providing more reliable onward connections through Doha and reducing the limitations associated with less frequent services.

For business travellers, exporters and logistics operators, daily flights offer more predictable scheduling and improved cargo opportunities. Leisure travellers also benefit from shorter layovers and greater itinerary flexibility.

Stronger Southern African connectivity

Qatar Airways’ latest expansion highlights the growing strategic importance of Southern Africa within the airline’s global network.

By increasing frequencies on interconnected regional routes, the airline is improving connectivity between Southern Africa and major global markets while supporting tourism growth, trade and investment across the region.

For travellers, the expanded schedules mean more convenient departure choices, easier connections and improved access to one of the world’s leading international airline hubs in Doha.

The new schedules take effect from 16 June 2026.

 

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Air Zimbabwe adds extra weekly flight between Harare and Dar es Salaam!

Air Zimbabwe, the national airline of Zimbabwe, has announced the introduction of an additional weekly frequency on its Harare <> Dar es Salaam route, effective 06 November 2025. The move increases the total number of flights between the two cities to three per week.

The airline currently operates services every Tuesday and Saturday, and will now add a Thursday flight to meet growing travel demand ahead of the busy festive season. This expansion enhances regional connectivity between Zimbabwe and Tanzania, offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travel.

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FlyNamibia and Fastjet partner to connect Windhoek and Harare via Victoria Falls!

Namibian regional airline FlyNamibia has announced a new partnership with Fastjet, a leading Southern African carrier, to offer passengers seamless travel between Windhoek (Namibia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) via Victoria Falls. The new connection officially launched on 01 November 2025.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening regional air connectivity in Southern Africa, enhancing both business and tourism travel between Namibia and Zimbabwe. It also reinforces Victoria Falls' growing role as a strategic aviation hub.

Under the agreement, FlyNamibia’s Windhoek–Victoria Falls service will be fully synchronized with Fastjet’s Victoria Falls–Harare flights, allowing travellers to enjoy smooth, same-day connections between the two capital cities. The coordinated schedule is designed to minimize layovers and simplify travel planning for both business and leisure passengers.

The new partnership complements FlyNamibia’s expanding route network, which currently includes domestic destinations such as Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo, and Lüderitz, as well as regional routes to Maun (Botswana) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).

Looking ahead, FlyNamibia has also confirmed plans to increase its Victoria Falls service to six weekly flights from April 2026, providing greater flexibility and more travel options for regional and international visitors alike.

With this strategic alliance, FlyNamibia and Fastjet are paving the way for a more connected and accessible Southern Africa, supporting the region’s shared vision of growth through tourism and trade. 

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Zimbabwe: Air Zimbabwe continues servicing Harare - Mutare - Victoria Falls route!

Air Zimbabwe, the national flag carrier of Zimbabwe, has confirmed the continuation of its Harare – Mutare – Victoria Falls route beyond the conclusion of the 15th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanai World Tourism Expo 2025, which recently took place at Mutare Sports Club in Mutare.
Originally introduced to facilitate convenient travel for delegates and exhibitors attending the country’s premier tourism trade fair, the route has quickly gained popularity with both domestic and international travellers.
Effective immediately, Air Zimbabwe will operate the Harare – Mutare – Victoria Falls service daily, giving travellers a seamless way to explore Zimbabwe's diverse attractions. Mutare, often called the “Gateway to the Eastern Highlands,” is known for its stunning mountain scenery, lush forests, and outdoor adventures in destinations such as Nyanga National Park, Vumba Botanical Gardens, and Chimanimani Mountains. With this daily connection, visitors can now easily combine the cultural charm and natural beauty of Mutare with the awe-inspiring spectacle of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders.
This expansion underscores Air Zimbabwe’s commitment to boosting domestic tourism, improving regional connectivity, and supporting economic growth through enhanced accessibility to key destinations.

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Fastjet Zimbabwe adds new early morning flight on Johannesburg <> Harare route!

Fastjet Zimbabwe has announced the launch of an additional early morning flight frequency on the busy Johannesburg (JNB) <> Harare (HRE) route. Starting 29 September 2025, the new service will operate daily except Saturdays, providing travellers with more flexibility and convenience when flying between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The new frequency will be operated by Fastjet’s reliable Embraer ERJ145 aircraft and is already available for booking. This additional service is expected to support growing demand on the route, benefiting both business and leisure travellers.
The additional flight will depart OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg at 06:55 and arrive at RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare at 08:40. The return leg leaves Harare at 19:00, landing in Johannesburg at 20:50. The service will operate daily except Saturdays.

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Zambia Airways launches new route between Lusaka and Harare!

Zambia Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Zambia, has announced the launch of a new direct route to Zimbabwe. Starting 17 June 2025, the airline will operate flights between Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare.
The new early morning service will run three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - offering convenient travel options between the two southern African capitals.

Flight Schedule:

• Departure from Lusaka (LUN): 06:00; arrival in Harare (HRE): 07:10
• Return flight from Harare (HRE): 07:55, arrival in Lusaka (LUN): 09:05

Zambia Airways' new route strengthens regional connectivity and promotes seamless travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe, further boosting tourism and business opportunities in Southern Africa.

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Zimbabwe: Fastjet launches a new service to Zambia!

Zimbabwean low-cost airline Fastjet has announced the launch of a new scheduled flight service between RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, Zambia. Starting 09 April 2025, the airline will operate this route three times a week - on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - using a 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft.

• Harare to Lusaka: Departs 06:00, Arrives 06:55
• Lusaka to Harare: Departs 07:25, Arrives 08:20

This new route expands Fastjet’s network, which already connects Harare, Victoria Falls, and Bulawayo within Zimbabwe. The airline also operates international flights from:

• Harare, Bulawayo & Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, South Africa
• Victoria Falls to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), Mbombela, South Africa

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South African Airways increases flights between Johannesburg <> Harare!

South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced that it will increase the number of flights to Harare in Zimbabwe to cater for the growing demand. According to the airline, two additional frequencies per week between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare will be introduced with effect from 05 November 2024. The additional flights will increase the number of frequencies from 10 to 12 per week.

Harare flight details:  
Harare 07:20 > 09:00 Johannesburg (Monday to Friday)
Harare 12:25 > 14:05 Johannesburg (Daily)

Johannesburg flight details:
Johannesburg 10:00 > 11:35 Harare (Daily)
Johannesburg 20:10 > 21:45 Harare (Sunday to Thursday)

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Zimbabwe: Air Zimbabwe to resume flights between Harare <> Johannesburg!

The national carrier of Zimbabwe, Air Zimbabwe, is set to resume scheduled flights between RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Effective 29 July 2024, the airline will be operating daily return flights to Johannesburg. Flights will depart Harare at 11:30 and arrive in Johannesburg at 13:15. The return service will start in Johannesburg at 14:00 and land in Harare at 15:30. Air Zimbabwe will operating this route using an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. 

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Uganda: Uganda Airlines launches flights to two new destinations in Southern Africa!

The flag carrier of Uganda, Uganda Airlines, is set to introduce flights to two new destinations in Southern Africa. The airline announced today (17 July 2024) that it will launch scheduled flights to Lusaka in Zambia and Harare in Zimbabwe on 25 September 2024. Uganda Airlines will operate four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between its main hub at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka as well as RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare. The airline will be using its Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft on the route. 

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South Africa: Airlink increases flights between Durban <> Harare!

South African regional and domestic airline Airlink has announced the introduction of additioanal frequencies between King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Effective 07 August 2024, the airline will operate daily return from Durban to Zimbabwe's capital. The additional flights will operate on Wednesdays, departing Durban at 10:30 and arriving in Harare at 12:40. The return service leaves Harare at 13:20 and lands in Durban at 15:35. Airlink operates the route with its modern 44-seat Embraer E140 Regional Jets on the route. 

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South Africa: CemAir to launch a new service to Zimbabwe!

South African domestic and regional carrier CemAir is set to launch a new service to Zimbabwe. Effective 21 March 2024, the airline will operate four weekly non-stop flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare. Flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will depart Johannesburg at 07:00 and arrive Harare at 08:40, while flights on Sundays will be at 10:00 with an arrival time in Harare at 11:40. Weekday flights will depart Harare at 09:25 and arrive in Johannesburg at 11:05, while flights on Sundays will be at 12:25 with an arrival time in Johannesburg at 14:05. 

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Malawi: Malawi Airlines to commence daily flights to three new regional destinations!

The flag carrier airline of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, has announced that it will launch flights to three new regional destinations. According to the airline's social media, Malawi Airlines is set to commence daily flights to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka in Zambia, RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare in Zimbabwe and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Flights to all three destinations, which will (presumably) be ex Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe, will be introduced from 19 December 2023.  

Zambia: Zambia Airways to resume flights to Zimbabwe!

The national airline of the Republic of Zambia, Zambia Airways, is set to resume flights to Zimbabwe. The airline, which temporarily discontinued flights between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare earlier this month due to "in-house logistics" [src.], has annouced the resumption of the service from 01 November 2023. Zambia Airways will operate three weekly return flights to Harare on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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South Africa: Flysafair introduces four new regional routes!

South African low-cost airline FlySafair has announced the launch of four additional regional routes. The airline is set to introduce flights to Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Livingstone im Zambia and Maputo im Mozambique.
The first batch of new routes will be launched on 02 of October 2023 and are between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Robert G. Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare and Johannesburg and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone. The Harare flights will operate daily while flights between Johannesburg and Livingstone are scheduled for four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
The next batch of routes will take off on 03 and 05 October 2023. Respectively, these include Johannesburg to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls which will operate three times per week, and Johannesburg to Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo which will operate four times per week. Bookings for all new routes opened on 03 August 2023.

FlySafair has undergone a period of rapid growth, increasing the number of flights they operate by 47% between 2019 and 2022. This number is set to increase even further as the airline continues to add new aircraft, routes, and frequencies throughout 2023. 

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Zimbabwe: The expansion project of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare is now complete! [update]

update (18 July 2023): Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 14 July 2023 commissioned the new Chinese-funded expanded terminal at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, the main gateway to Zimbabwe.

The expansion project of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, Zimbabwe, is now complete and is expected to be commissioned on 13 July 2023 14 July 2023, while the refurbishment of the older terminal area is set to be finished by December 2023.
The US$153 million project, which started in 2018, included the expansion of the terminal building to increase the airport's annual passenger capacity from the current 2.5 million to 6 million, the installation of four new aerobridges (one being able to handle an Airbus A380) and four new baggage carousels, the construction of a new fire station, the relocation of the satellite fire station, the rehabilitation of an existing apron, the construction of a new VIP pavillion, the rehabilitation of the existing international and domestic terminal buildings as well as the upgrading of equipment for passenger facilitation, check in counters, baggage handling and access control.

According to Zimbabwean newspaper "The Herald", travellers will start using the extension by the end of June 2023.

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) formerly known as Harare International Airport is located 15 kilometres south of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The airport is the main gateway into the country.

Zambia: Zambia Airways to launch flights to Zimbabwe! [update]

update (14 March 2023): Zambia Airways has changed the launch date. According to our latest info, the airline will now be introducing flights between Lusaka and Harare on 28 March 2023 and not on 23 March 2023.

The national airline of the Republic of Zambia, Zambia Airways, has announced the introduction of scheduled flights to Zimbabwe. The airline will launch flights between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Effective 23 28 March 2023, the airline will operate three weekly return flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Zambia Airways commenced operations on 01 December 2021. The airline currently connects Lusaka with the tourist heart of Zambia, Livingstone, Ndola in the Copperbelt Province and Solwezi in Zambia's North-Western Province.  

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Ethiopian Airlines de-links its Lusaka and Harare operations!

The flag carrier of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines, is set to de-link its flights to Lusaka in Zambia and Harare in Zimbabwe. Effective 26 March 2023, the airline will instead be operating non-stop flights between Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUS) in Lusaka and between Addis Ababa and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare. Ethiopian Airlines will also increase the number of flights to Lusaka and Harare from daily operations to eleven weekly operations. 

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