London Gets Its Harare Link Back After 14 Years
London Gatwick has restored a direct link with Harare after more than 14 years, giving the UK its only nonstop service to Zimbabwe’s capital. Air Zimbabwe launched the route on 23 July, adding another African destination to Gatwick’s expanding long-haul network. The airport says traffic between Gatwick and Africa has risen by 72% since 2023, showing how quickly demand has grown.
New London–Harare Flight Details
- Route: London Gatwick (LGW)–Harare (HRE)
- Airline: Air Zimbabwe
- Launch date: 23 July 2026
- Frequency: Three flights per week
- Flight days: Monday, Thursday and Saturday
- Terminal: South Terminal
- Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
- Operating period: No end date stated
“We’re delighted to celebrate the launch of this service to Harare, adding another exciting destination to London Gatwick's growing network and establishing the airport as the UK's only direct link to Zimbabwe's capital."
The flights depart from Gatwick’s South Terminal and use an Airbus A330-200. Air Zimbabwe runs the service on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, providing three weekly departures in each direction and a choice of weekday or weekend travel. The launch arrives during Gatwick’s largest summer programme to date, with 63 airlines serving more than 230 destinations, including 27 routes to Africa operated by 18 carriers.
Harare is Zimbabwe’s political, commercial and cultural centre, while the direct flight also creates an easier starting point for trips elsewhere in the country. Visitors can explore the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Mukuvisi Woodlands, Chiremba Balancing Rocks and Lake Chivero. Air Zimbabwe’s domestic network also includes Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, allowing longer itineraries to begin in the capital without an additional international connection.
The route removes the need for a connecting flight through another hub, cutting out an extra airport change on journeys between London and Zimbabwe. Three weekly departures also give people more flexibility for family visits, business trips and longer holidays. The main limitation is frequency: missing one service may mean waiting several days, so onward flights, transfers and accommodation should be planned around the operating days.