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Air Zimbabwe is the national airline of Zimbabwe and is based at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare International Airport) (IATA: HRE).

The airline's full name is Air Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, and currently operates mainly domestic and regional flights around Zimbabwe.

The airline was originally founded in 1967, where it was named Air Rhodesia Corporation and became Air Zimbabwe officially in the April of 1980. Following the renaming to its current form, the airline began increasing its international operations, including flights to London Gatwick (LGW). Following financial difficulties since 2004, the airline unfortunately ceased operations in February 2012, before temporarily restarting in November 2012 with limited routes.

Air Zimbabwe is a wholly government-owned entity and is a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association) and of the African Airlines Association since 1981.

Baggage Policy

There are different policies for baggage depending on your flight route and whether the baggage is carry-on or checked.

Carry-on Baggage

Passengers are each permitted one item of cabin baggage with them on their flight. The maximum weight of this is 8kg, and the dimensions of this item must not exceed 51 x 20 x 38cm.

In addition, passengers are also allowed one personal item each. This can be items such as coats, walking sticks, cameras, laptops or a ladies handbag.

Checked Baggage

Domestic Routes:

For domestic flights, economy class passengers are permitted 20kg of free checked luggage, and passengers in business are permitted 30kg of checked luggage.

Regional Routes:

Between Harare and Johannesburg, passengers are permitted 40kg (2 x 20kg) in Economy and 50kg in Business Class (2 x 25kg).

Between Harare and Lusaka, passengers are permitted 20kg (2 x 10kg) in Economy and 30kg (2 x 15kg) in Business Class.

Between Bulawayo and Johannesburg, passengers are permitted 30kg (2 x 15kg) in Economy and 40kg (2 x 20kg) in Business Class.

Cabin Classes

There is only 1 official cabin class onboard an Air Zimbabwe flight. There are ways to achieve a more premium experience, making it feel like business class.

Economy Class

Economy class for this airline is simple and basic, yet comfortable. Passenger will be greeted with friendly cabin staff who will help attend to you during your flight.

Business Class

Air Zimbabwe do not have a business class onboard their flights, but they do have a business fare which allows for a more premium experience. This includes increased baggage allowance, priority check-in and Business Class Lounge access at some airports.

Check-In

Airport check-in and phone reconfirmation are the ways in which Air Zimbabwe passengers can check-in for their flight.

Online Check-in

Online check-in is not yet available for Air Zimbabwe.

Airport Check-in

Passengers must check-in at the airport to obtain their boarding pass. Although the check-in opening and closing time will vary depending on the airport, it is vital that you get to the airport and check-in with enough time to avoid not being allowed to board the aircraft.

For domestic flights, you should aim to check-in at least 1.5 hours before your flight is due to depart.

For international flights, you should aim to check-in at least 2 hours before your flight is due to depart.

Phone Reconfirmation

Passengers are required to contact the airline within 72 hours of the flight departure to reconfirm their booking. This is an essential process as if the passenger fails to reconfirm, their flight reservation will be cancelled.

In-Flight Entertainment

Air Zimbabwe does not currently provide any in-flight entertainment onboard their flights.

Wi-Fi

There is currently no WiFi provided onboard Air Zimbabwe flights.

Food & Drink

There are some light snacks provided on shorter flights, or full hot meals provided on longer flights where time allows for it. Food is tasty and made with fresh ingredients for more enjoyment and flavour.

Special Services

Travelling with Minors

If you are travelling with children under 18 years old to South Africa, in addition to a valid passport you may require some additional documents. See this page for more information so that you are prepared completely for travel.

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Destinations that Air Zimbabwe flies to

As of May 2021, Air Zimbabwe flies to 5 destinations, including three domestic destinations and 2 international destinations.

Alternatives to Air Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Airways was a government-owned airline in Zimbabwe, but plans for the airline were dropped in 2018. Today, Air Zimbabwe operates the most extensive route network within Zimbabwe. Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes to Air Zimbabwe:

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Hub Airport

Harare International Airport

Air Zimbabwe’s hub is Harare International Airport. It is the largest airport in the country and serves as the base of Air Zimbabwe. The Airport is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

The airport has one runway and airlines which use Harare International Airport include Air Botswana, Air Namibia, EgyptAir, Malawian Airlines, Emerald AirlinesKuva Air, Proflight Zambia and Mango Airlines.

Previously, the airport was a hub for Zimbabwe flyafrica.

Fleet

The airline's fleet consists of the following aircraft: Airbus A320-200, Boeing 737-200Adv, Boeing 767-200ER, Boeing 777-200ER, Embraer 145, and Xian MA60.

In January 2020, the airline received the first of it's Boeing 777-200 jets from Malaysia Airlines.

Frequent Flyer

Air Zimbabwe offers a frequent flyer called Rainbow Club Frequent Flyer Program to reward regular passengers. Benefits of the Rainbow Club include free travel awards, excess baggage allowance, free use of Business Class Lounges and express check-in.

There are three tiers of membership: Qualifier, Skyhigh and Premium.

Airline Alliance

Air Zimbabwe is currently not part of any airline alliances.

News

21st January 2021

Air Zimbabwe to expand fleet and route network

Air Zimbabwe is looking to rebuild its operations, following a tough year amidst the global Coronavirus pandemic, which saw the airline focus on domestic flights. The airline has now stated that its focus will be on expanding its fleet and route expansion. Air Zimbabwe intends to rebuild its international operations during 2021, including twice daily services to Johannesburg (South Africa) from Harare (Zimbabwe), followed by flights to Bulawayo, Congo and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

4th November 2019

Air Zimbabwe resumes flights to South Africa

After a temporary grounding of planes last week by South African authorities, the national airline of Zimbabwe has resumed its flights to South Africa. This is after negotiations and clearance to take off.

25th October 2019

Air Zimbabwe's plane grounded

The only remaining operational aircraft of Air Zimbabwe was today impounded by authorities when landing in South Africa, due to unpaid debts. This has resulted in all remaining flights being cancelled whilst the airline moves to resolve the issue.

Frequently asked questions

Where does Air Zimbabwe fly?

Air Zimbabwe is the national flag carrier of Zimbabwe. As of May 2021, the airline serves 3 domestic destinations and 2 international destinations. Internationally, the airline flies to Tanzania and South Africa.

Can I book Air Zimbabwe flights online?

You can book flights through Alternative Airlines. We're a global flight search and booking site, that makes it easy to find the flights you're after. We offer flights with all major carriers, including Air Zimbabwe. To find flights, simply enter your chosen departure and arrival airports or cities into the search bar at the top of the page.