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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.
Looking for flights to Zimbabwe?
Air Zimbabwe is one of the few airlines operating flights to Zimbabwe. Check out our guide on flying to Zimbabwe for more information, including which airlines fly there, popular places to visit and more.
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.
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 Airlines, Kuva Air and Proflight Zambia.
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.