Zimbabwe Travel Boom Expands as Air Zimbabwe Creates New Routes Ahead of Tourism Expo 2026

Written By: Ankita Sarmah

Ankita Sarmah

A passionate storyteller and aspiring journalist, Ankita Sarmah is currently pursuing a Master’s in English at DU while exploring the evolving landscape of journalism. With two years of practical experience, she has developed a strong ability to transform ideas, observations, and experiences into engaging narratives that connect with readers. Her journey combines academic knowledge with real-world reporting, allowing her to explore diverse fields such as culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and insightful perspective. Driven by curiosity and a passion for meaningful storytelling, Ankita strives to create fresh, authentic, and impactful content that informs, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression. For her, every story is more than words — it is an experience crafted to engage, connect, and resonate with audiences.

See Full Bio

September 5, 2026 1:02 PM

Air Zimbabwe is building infrastructure to support Zimbabwe Travel for the Tourism Expo 2026 by introducing new services along the Harare Route. Upcoming changes to Zimbabwe’s domestic tourism offerings are the result of a new line of direct flights from Harare to both Masvingo and Chiredzi. Air Zimbabwe hopes these new services will improve access to the international buying and exhibiting markets as well as international visitors who will come to attend the Masvingo leg of the tourism show from all over the world. It is expected that these new flights will support long-standing aviation infrastructure within Zimbabwe.

The new routes highlight Zimbabwe’s growing focus on improving transport infrastructure, expanding tourism access and connecting key destinations with the capital city. The Harare-Masvingo service, in particular, could become a permanent aviation connection if passenger demand remains strong after the tourism expo.

Air Zimbabwe Strengthens Domestic Connectivity Ahead of Tourism Expo 2026

Air Zimbabwe’s decision to introduce direct flights between Harare and Masvingo comes as the southern Zimbabwean city prepares to host the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo from 9 to 12 September 2026. The event will bring together tourism businesses, international buyers, exhibitors and industry stakeholders from Zimbabwe and global markets.

The new flights will provide an additional travel option for visitors arriving through Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare before continuing to Masvingo. The direct connection is expected to reduce travel time and improve convenience for international tourism representatives attending the event.

The airline will also introduce flights connecting Harare with Chiredzi, another important tourism area in the province. The route expansion comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to increase tourism movement between major cities, attractions and visitor hubs.

New Harare Masvingo Flights Offer Faster Access for Travellers

The introduction of the Harare-Masvingo route provides travellers with a quicker alternative to road transportation between the two destinations. The service is expected to support visitors attending the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo while creating easier access to one of Zimbabwe’s most historically significant regions.

Air Zimbabwe has announced that a one-way ticket on the Harare-Masvingo route will cost US$140, while a return journey will cost US$240. The pricing structure provides travellers with a direct connection between Zimbabwe’s capital and one of the country’s major tourism destinations.

The Harare-Chiredzi service will operate with a one-way fare of US$155 and a return fare of US$279. The new connection is expected to support tourism activities in the Lowveld region, which attracts visitors through its wildlife, landscapes and outdoor experiences.

Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo Drives Zimbabwe Tourism Expansion

The launch of the new routes is closely linked to the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, which is expected to become a major platform for showcasing Zimbabwe’s tourism potential.

The 2026 edition of the expo will welcome 133 international buyers and 392 exhibitors, creating opportunities for tourism operators, destinations and businesses to build international partnerships.

Hosting the event in Masvingo will place greater attention on the province’s tourism attractions and encourage more visitors to explore destinations beyond traditional travel routes.

Improved air connectivity could play an important role in supporting the success of the expo by ensuring easier movement for international delegates, business visitors and tourism professionals.

Masvingo Tourism Attractions Gain Better Global Visibility

Masvingo is one of Zimbabwe’s most culturally and historically important tourism destinations. The region is home to several attractions that continue to attract domestic and international visitors.

The Great Zimbabwe Monument remains the province’s most recognised landmark. The ancient stone city represents one of Africa’s most significant archaeological sites and provides insight into Zimbabwe’s rich heritage.

Other attractions, including Kyle Recreational Park and the Lowveld region, offer opportunities for nature-based tourism, wildlife experiences and leisure travel.

The introduction of direct flights could help increase awareness of these destinations by making them more accessible to travellers who previously relied mainly on road transportation.

Air Link Could Become Long-Term Tourism Infrastructure

While the initial introduction of the Harare-Masvingo route is connected to the tourism expo, authorities are considering the possibility of maintaining the service beyond the event.

A permanent air connection between Harare and Masvingo could provide long-term benefits for tourism, business travel and regional mobility. Regular flights could encourage more visitors to include Masvingo in their Zimbabwe travel plans while supporting local tourism businesses.

The expansion of domestic aviation links also aligns with wider efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism economy by improving connections between major urban centres and emerging destinations.

Zimbabwe Aviation Network Supports Tourism Growth Strategy

The new Air Zimbabwe routes represent a broader move towards improving domestic air connectivity and supporting tourism growth across Zimbabwe.

By linking Harare with Masvingo and Chiredzi, the airline is creating additional opportunities for travellers to reach important tourism regions more efficiently. The initiative also demonstrates the growing importance of aviation in supporting events, investment and destination development.

As Zimbabwe prepares for the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, the new flights are expected to play a key role in welcoming visitors and promoting the country’s tourism attractions.

Air Zimbabwe plans to improve access for international travelers and stimulate regional tourism by adding flights to Masvingo and Chiredzi from Harare before the Tourism Expo 2026.

The introduction of these routes could mark an important step in expanding Zimbabwe’s travel network while creating stronger links between the capital and some of the country’s most valuable tourism destinations.