MUTARE – Air Zimbabwe has recorded roughly 5,000 passengers on its Harare–Mutare route since launching the service in September during the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, a senior airline executive has revealed.
The milestone reflects growing demand for domestic air travel and renewed interest in linking major urban centres with strategic tourism and business hubs. The route, introduced as part of the national carrier’s efforts to revive its domestic network, has seen steady uptake from business travellers, tourists, and residents seeking a faster alternative to road travel.
Air Zimbabwe officials say the positive passenger numbers demonstrate both the viability of the service and the need for enhanced connectivity between Harare and the Eastern Highlands, one of Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destinations.
The airline is now assessing possibilities for increasing flight frequencies and introducing promotional packages tailored to tourism growth in Manicaland. Transport analysts note that consistent performance on the route could strengthen Air Zimbabwe’s broader turnaround strategy as it pushes to reclaim relevance in the competitive regional aviation market.
Local hospitality operators have also welcomed the development, saying improved air access to Mutare is already contributing to higher occupancy rates and greater visibility for attractions in Nyanga, Vumba, and Chimanimani.
