This Tiny Airline Launches New 11-Hour Long-Haul Flights [Map]

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has become the UK’s only airport offering nonstop flights to Zimbabwe following the launch of Air Zimbabwe’s new service to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE). The route restores a direct air link between the two countries for the first time in more than 14 years.

The new service, highlighted by the airport, marks another milestone in Gatwick’s expanding African network. However, the route is notable for another reason: although Air Zimbabwe markets the flights, they are operated by another airline under a wet-lease agreement. The unusual arrangement enables the Zimbabwean flag carrier to return to London despite regulatory restrictions that prevent it from operating its own aircraft to the UK.

Air Zimbabwe Returns To London After More Than 14 Years

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Air Zimbabwe’s first flight to London Gatwick arrived on Thursday, July 23, marking the airline’s return to the British market after more than 14 years. The service is the UK’s only nonstop connection to Zimbabwe and operates three times each way weekly. Flights depart London every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, with return services from Harare operating on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.

The route is operated using an Airbus A330-200, with the service aimed at a broad mix of passengers, including business travelers, tourists and the UK’s sizable Zimbabwean population, while also supporting trade and investment between the two countries. Its launch coincides with Gatwick’s busiest-ever summer schedule, which includes 11 new routes and services from 63 airlines. Jonny Macneal, Head of Aviation Development, London Gatwick, reflected on the route’s launch:

“The return of direct services between London and Harare after an absence of more than 14 years is hugely significant and provides much-needed connectivity for passengers wishing to travel to and from Zimbabwe.”

London Gatwick Flights Are Operated By Plus Ultra

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One of the most unusual aspects of Air Zimbabwe’s return to London is that, although passengers book with the Zimbabwean flag carrier and travel under its flight numbers, the flights are actually operated by Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. The Spanish wet-leasing specialist provides and operates the aircraft under a wet-lease agreement, while Air Zimbabwe remains responsible for marketing and ticket sales. While wet leasing is relatively common in commercial aviation to cover aircraft shortages, maintenance downtime, or seasonal demand, it is far less common for an airline to rely on such an arrangement to restore one of its flagship long-haul international services.

The reason is primarily regulatory rather than financial. Air Zimbabwe remains on the UK and European Union Air Safety Lists, which prohibit the airline from operating its own aircraft in those markets due to safety oversight concerns. By partnering with Plus Ultra, the carrier can legally resume nonstop flights to London while ensuring the operation complies with UK aviation requirements.

The arrangement also provides several operational advantages. Restarting a long-haul route after more than a decade would ordinarily require significant investment. Through the wet lease, Plus Ultra assumes responsibility for operating the flights, allowing Air Zimbabwe to focus on rebuilding passenger demand and re-establishing its presence in the UK market. It also reduces financial and operational risk during the early stages of the route, while giving the airline flexibility should it eventually be removed from the UK and EU Air Safety Lists and decide to operate the service with its own aircraft in the future.

Gatwick’s African Network Expansion Beyond Zimbabwe

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Air Zimbabwe’s return further strengthens London Gatwick’s portfolio of nonstop services to sub-Saharan Africa. The airport has steadily expanded its long-haul African network in recent years. Alongside the new Harare route, passengers can also fly directly to Nairobi with Kenya Airways, Entebbe with Uganda Airlines and Cape Town with Norse Atlantic.

Each route serves a distinct purpose within Gatwick’s network. Kenya Airways’ Nairobi service offers extensive onward connectivity through one of Africa’s largest aviation hubs, with connections across East, Central and Southern Africa. Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe flights primarily cater to point-to-point demand while also supporting regional connections, whereas Norse Atlantic UK’s Cape Town service is focused largely on the leisure market.

The launch also underlines Gatwick’s growing ambitions in the African market. According to the airport, passenger traffic between Gatwick and Africa has increased by 72% since 2023, supporting the introduction of additional long-haul services. The restoration of nonstop flights to Harare not only reconnects London with Zimbabwe after more than 14 years but also broadens Gatwick’s range of destinations across sub-Saharan Africa, giving passengers more direct travel options while strengthening the airport’s position as an important gateway to the continent.