By Jeremiah Gora
The arrival of Air Zimbabwe at London Gatwick Airport marks the most visible expression of Zimbabwe’s re-engagement policy, manifested in the skies, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Advocate Felix T. Mhona (MP), has said.
Addressing guests at the Air Zimbabwe Welcome Dinner held at The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London, tonight, following the airline’s historic landing at Gatwick earlier in the day, Minister Mhona said the restoration of direct Harare-London flights after a 14-year absence was a tangible demonstration of the Second Republic’s foreign policy under President Cde, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We gather here tonight to welcome the Air Zimbabwe flight which touched down at London Gatwick Airport this morning. The arrival of Air Zimbabwe at Gatwick is the most visible expression of that re-engagement, manifested in the skies,” said Minister Mhona.
He said the return of the national carrier was the result of the Government’s deliberate and sustained re-engagement agenda, guided by President Mnangagwa’s policy of making Zimbabwe “a friend to all and an enemy to none.”
Minister Mhona described the United Kingdom route as one of strategic importance to Zimbabwe because of the two countries’ shared history, strong commercial and cultural ties, and the sizeable Zimbabwean diaspora residing in Britain.
He said Air Zimbabwe’s return comes after the Second Republic invested significantly in modernising aviation infrastructure, strengthening air navigation systems and ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority for granting Air Zimbabwe a Foreign Operator Permit (FOP), saying the approval followed a rigorous assessment of the airline’s safety, operational and technical capabilities.
“Air Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe at large sought this permit on merit, and we intend to keep it on merit,” he said.
Minister Mhona said the restored route would provide greater convenience for thousands of Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom while boosting tourism, trade and investment between the two countries.
He noted that the direct Harare-Gatwick service would facilitate the movement of British tourists, investors and business travellers, while enabling Zimbabwean exports, including fresh horticultural produce and manufactured goods, to reach the UK market more efficiently.
The Minister added that the route would support Zimbabwe’s broader economic reform agenda by strengthening business links and creating opportunities for partnerships across key sectors such as transport, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and information communication technology.
He also highlighted Zimbabwe’s rich tourism attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe Monument and Matobo Hills, as well as Hwange, Gonarezhou and Mana Pools National Parks, saying direct flights would enhance the country’s appeal to British visitors.
Minister Mhona reiterated President Mnangagwa’s declaration that Zimbabwe is open for business, saying the resumption of direct flights reflects renewed friendship, restored confidence and expanding economic opportunities between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
“This morning, a plane landed. Tonight, we celebrate what that landing means. The aircraft carries more than passengers. It carries renewed friendship, restored confidence and reciprocal opportunity. Zimbabwe is ready. The runway is clear. The doors are open,” he said.
The welcome dinner celebrated the successful restoration of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London Gatwick service, ending a 14-year hiatus and marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s international aviation and diplomatic re-engagement efforts.
