Etihad Airways is expanding its presence in Africa after signing a partnership with Fastjet Zimbabwe that will improve air links across southern Africa and connect more travelers to its global network.

The agreement, signed in Harare, brings together an interline arrangement, a planned codeshare partnership and future frequent flyer cooperation, giving passengers more options when traveling within Zimbabwe and beyond.

Starting Aug. 24, 2026, travelers flying with Etihad will be able to book a single ticket to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg through Fastjet Zimbabwe’s network.

The partnership is designed to simplify travel while offering smoother connections across multiple destinations.

The deal also supports Etihad’s broader expansion plans in Africa ahead of the launch of its direct Abu Dhabi-Harare service on March 24, 2027.

The new route is expected to strengthen travel and business links between Zimbabwe and key markets in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Expanding travel options

The partnership allows passengers to complete their journey on one ticket while connecting between Etihad’s international network and Fastjet Zimbabwe’s regional services.

Fastjet customers will also gain easier access to Abu Dhabi and dozens of destinations served by Etihad.

Arik De, Etihad Airways’ chief revenue and commercial officer, said Africa remains an important market for the airline as it continues to build stronger links across the continent through partnerships with regional carriers.

“Africa is an important part of Etihad’s growth, and partnerships like this one with Fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests,” De said.

“From Harare to Victoria Falls, travelers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation.”

Strengthening Zimbabwe’s global links

Fastjet Zimbabwe said the agreement will create more travel opportunities for customers while improving the country’s connections with international markets.

“This marks the beginning of what we believe will be a significant partnership,” Fastjet Zimbabwe Business CEO and Country Head Donahue Cortes said.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Etihad Airways, exploring opportunities to improve connectivity, broaden travel options for our customers and further strengthen Zimbabwe’s links with key international markets.”

Chief Commercial Officer Vivian Ruwuya said the partnership gives travelers in Zimbabwe easier access to destinations across the Middle East, Asia and Europe through Etihad’s network, all on a single booking.

Building a broader network

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, operates from Abu Dhabi and serves destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

Fastjet Zimbabwe is a regional airline connecting Harare with Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, helping improve air travel across southern Africa.

As part of the agreement, Fastjet Zimbabwe is expected to become Etihad Guest’s 32nd airline partner, with both airlines planning to introduce reciprocal frequent flyer benefits for eligible passengers in the future.