Air Zimbabwe eyes London return via ACMI deal, boosting Africa ties

Air Zimbabwe is preparing to resume flights to London for the first time in more than 14 years, using an ACMI wet-lease arrangement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.

The move is aimed at restoring access to a key long-haul market and rebuilding links with one of its most important international routes. 

Under a 13-month agreement starting July 1, Plus Ultra will operate flights between Harare and London Gatwick Airport using Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

The ACMI model—covering aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance—allows Air Zimbabwe to retain commercial control while outsourcing flight operations. 

The airline remains on the EU Air Safety List and is barred from operating in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The wet-lease structure provides a regulatory pathway for continued service, as approved third-party operators can run flights on behalf of restricted carriers under international safety rules.

Route revival after 14-year gap 

Air Zimbabwe last operated the Harare–London route in 2012, when it withdrew amid financial pressure and shrinking fleet capacity.

A Boeing 767-200 was previously impounded at Gatwick over unpaid debts, highlighting the operational challenges that led to its exit from the market. 

Today, the airline operates a small fleet and a limited regional network, including Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, as well as Dar es Salaam. The reduced scale has left it dependent on partnerships to restart long-haul services.

Demand and ACMI partnerships 

Despite the absence of direct flights, demand between the UK and Zimbabwe remains steady.

Sabre Market Intelligence data shows about 190,000 two-way passengers in 2025, with Harare–London the largest city pair in the market. 

Most travellers currently connect through hubs such as Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and Kigali.

Plus Ultra said the deal, arranged through Chapman Freeborn Aviation Services, reflects growing demand for ACMI capacity among national airlines operating constrained long-haul routes.