The drive to strengthen regional tourism and business connectivity has received fresh impetus following Fastjet Zimbabwe’s decision to extend the operation of its Airbus A320 aircraft through the end of December.
The development, announced on the sidelines of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo in Masvingo, comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to position air connectivity as a key component of tourism growth and wider economic engagement.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, who represented Minister Barbara Rwodzi at the announcement, said increased aviation capacity was essential to unlocking the country’s tourism potential.
“Connectivity is central to our tourism growth strategy. We cannot grow tourism without growing connectivity,” Mnangagwa said.
The A320, which was introduced on the Harare-Johannesburg and Victoria Falls-Johannesburg routes in August, has been retained to meet increased demand during the peak travel season.
Fastjet Zimbabwe Chief Commercial Officer Vivian Ruwuya said the airline was responding to changing customer needs and the growing demand for convenient travel between Zimbabwe and regional markets.
“We are always looking at providing our customers with flexible flight times to better suit their travel needs,” Ruwuya said in relation to the airline’s expanded services.
She said demand from business travellers had been particularly significant, with improved flight schedules allowing travellers to maximise their time in Zimbabwe.
Fastjet Zimbabwe Corporate Affairs Manager Nunurai Ndawana said the airline viewed aviation as more than a means of transporting passengers, describing it as an important enabler of economic activity.
“Aviation is a catalyst for economic development,” Ndawana said, highlighting the role of air services in facilitating business travel and strengthening trade relations between Harare and Johannesburg.
The airline’s expanded capacity is also expected to benefit Zimbabwe’s tourism value chain, which includes accommodation providers, tour operators, restaurants, transport companies, attractions and other businesses that depend on visitor spending.
Government says the benefits of improved connectivity extend beyond tourist arrivals, as easier access can support investment, business exchanges and stronger regional economic relationships.
Fastjet has operated in Zimbabwe since 2015 and has carried more than four million passengers since launching its operations. Its network currently links Zimbabwe’s major tourism and commercial centres, including Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, with regional destinations.
The airline’s decision to retain the A320 comes as Zimbabwe’s tourism industry continues to recover strongly. International tourist arrivals increased from about 380,820 in 2021 to 1.78 million in 2025, demonstrating the growing demand for the country as a destination.
For Zimbabwe, the expansion also comes at a strategic time as Government intensifies efforts to increase visitor numbers, improve tourism infrastructure and attract greater investment into the sector.
Mnangagwa said Government welcomed Fastjet’s continued commitment and urged greater cooperation between the public sector, airlines and tourism operators.
The Government believes stronger aviation links will help Zimbabwe capture a larger share of regional tourism while making it easier for investors, business travellers and tourists to access the country.
The retention of the A320 through the peak December period therefore represents not only an increase in seats, but also a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s emerging tourism and business market.
