The agreement marks Air Zimbabwe’s return to global distribution after more than a decade, with Travelport first to market with the airline’s UM-validated content ahead of the airline’s new direct Harare–London Gatwick service, launching 22 July 2026
LONDON, UK, 17 JULY, 2026 – Travelport, the intelligent infrastructure travel technology company driving bookings for millions of travelers worldwide, and Air Zimbabwe, the national airline of Zimbabwe, have signed a new multi-year distribution agreement. The agreement returns Air Zimbabwe to global distribution for the first time in over a decade, with the airline’s content made available through Travelport+ and extending its operations into the UK market.
The agreement follows the successful live cutover of Air Zimbabwe’s Crane Central Reservation System with Travelport, finalised this week, fully opening the airline’s inventory to travel professionals worldwide. The integration comes as Air Zimbabwe prepares to launch new direct flights between Harare and London Gatwick on 22 July 2026, operating three times weekly on a 302-seat Airbus A330-300, giving the Zimbabwean diaspora, corporate travelers and international agents the ability to search, book and issue tickets for the route in real time.
Under the agreement, Travelport-connected agencies worldwide will be able to access Air Zimbabwe’s content through Travelport+. Travelport will be first to market with the airline’s UM-validated content, giving agencies in Zimbabwe’s key local market the tools to search, book and service Air Zimbabwe’s fares directly.
Air Zimbabwe’s content will be accessible to agencies through Smartpoint, Travelport’s booking application, giving agencies the same normalised, curated content, intelligent search, and consistent servicing they rely on for carriers across the Travelport network.
“Returning to global distribution through Travelport is a significant milestone for Air Zimbabwe,” said Mr. Edmund Makona, Chief Executive Officer of Air Zimbabwe.
This agreement makes our content available to travel agencies around the world for the first time in over a decade and represents a strategic step in strengthening our international presence. It supports our ambition to grow our footprint in the UK market and beyond, increasing the visibility and accessibility of our services to global travelers. We look forward to working with Travelport as we continue to rebuild, expand our network, and position Air Zimbabwe for sustainable growth.
Mr. Edmund Makona | Chief Executive Officer of Air Zimbabwe.
“We are delighted to welcome Air Zimbabwe back to our network,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport. “This is a carrier of real national and international significance, and this agreement means Travelport-connected agencies can once again access Air Zimbabwe’s content, with our platform being first to market with the airline’s UM content. We look forward to supporting Air Zimbabwe as it extends its operations into the UK and beyond.”
About Air Zimbabwe
Air Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd is the national airline of Zimbabwe, headquartered at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare. Wholly owned by the Government of Zimbabwe, the airline has operated under the Air Zimbabwe name since 1980. For additional information, please visit airzimbabwe.aero