Cheap Flights to Harare for Christmas 2026: A Guide for UK Travellers
Going home to Zimbabwe for Christmas? December is the busiest time of year for flights from the UK to Harare, and the cheapest seats go first. The good news for 2026 is that there's a direct flight again: Air Zimbabwe flies non-stop from London Gatwick, with extra flights over the festive season. This guide explains your options, when to book, and how to get the best Christmas fare for the whole family.
Quick answer: How do I fly to Harare for Christmas 2026?
Air Zimbabwe flies direct from London Gatwick to Harare in about 10 hours, with economy fares including 2 x 23kg of checked baggage. Over Christmas it adds a 4th weekly flight, from 7 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. The main one-stop alternative is Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (about 14 hours, usually 2 x 23kg). Book now: Christmas fares rise as seats sell.
Flying to Harare this Christmas?
Christmas seats are already selling. Tell us your dates and we'll compare Air Zimbabwe's direct flight with every one-stop option.
Direct Flights to Harare This Christmas
In July 2026, Air Zimbabwe restarted direct flights between London Gatwick and Harare for the first time in 14 years. It's the only non-stop flight from the UK to Zimbabwe.
- Route: London Gatwick to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Harare
- Flight time: about 10 hours. Flights from Gatwick leave in the evening and arrive in Harare the next morning.
- Christmas schedule: a 4th weekly flight runs from 7 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, giving more seats over the festive period.
- Baggage: 2 x 23kg in economy, which is ideal if you're taking gifts home.
With only a few flights a week, the direct flights on the most popular dates (the weekend before Christmas and the first week of January) are likely to fill first. Schedules can change, so we'll always confirm the exact flight times for your dates when you book.
Christmas Flight Options to Harare Compared
| Airline | Route | Journey time | Checked baggage (economy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Zimbabwe | Gatwick → Harare, direct | ~10h | 2 x 23kg |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Heathrow → Addis Ababa → Harare | ~14h | Usually 2 x 23kg |
| Kenya Airways | Heathrow → Nairobi → Harare | ~15h | Depends on fare |
| British Airways + connection | Heathrow → Johannesburg → Harare | ~16h | Depends on fare |
| Emirates | UK → Dubai → Harare (stops in Lusaka) | ~19h | Depends on fare |
| Qatar Airways | UK → Doha → Harare (stops in Lusaka) | ~19h | Depends on fare |
Journey times include a typical connection. Emirates and Qatar Airways fly from several UK airports outside London, which can help if you live in the Midlands, the North or Scotland. For full details of every airline, see our flights to Harare page.
When Should You Book Christmas Flights to Harare?
As soon as you can. Christmas is peak season for UK–Zimbabwe travel, and fares tend to rise as the cheaper seats sell out. A few practical tips:
- Book in October or early November for the best choice of flights and fares. Waiting for a last-minute deal at Christmas rarely works.
- Avoid the busiest days if you can. The weekend just before Christmas and the first few days of January are usually the most expensive. Flying a few days earlier, or returning a little later, can save money.
- Compare direct and one-stop fares. When direct seats are scarce, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa often still has availability and usually includes 2 x 23kg too.
- Book everyone on one booking. For families, keeping everyone on the same booking makes changes and seating easier.
For more on timing, read our guide to the best time to book flights to Africa.
Taking Gifts Home: Baggage Tips for Christmas
- Choose a fare with 2 bags if you're taking presents. Air Zimbabwe economy includes 2 x 23kg, and Ethiopian Airlines usually does too.
- Check the allowance on every leg. If your journey connects in Johannesburg or another hub on separate tickets, the second airline may allow less.
- Weigh your bags at home. Excess baggage at the airport is expensive, especially on long-haul flights.
- Book on one ticket for connections, so your bags are checked through to Harare and the airline helps you if a delay makes you miss your connection.
Get Your Christmas Harare Quote
Send us your dates, departure airport and number of passengers, including how many bags you need. We'll find the best Christmas fare to Harare for your family.
Flying On to Bulawayo or Victoria Falls
Many families travel on from Harare. You can take a domestic flight from Harare to Victoria Falls (about 1 hour 15 minutes) or Bulawayo, or travel by road. Ethiopian Airlines also flies to Bulawayo on selected days. See our flights to Bulawayo page for the options.
Before You Fly to Zimbabwe
- Visa: British citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe. Most visitors get a visa on arrival, usually valid for 30 days and paid in US dollars (bring small notes), or apply for an e-visa before travel.
- Passport: it must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive and have at least 3 blank pages.
- Money: Zimbabwe uses the ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) alongside the US dollar, which is widely accepted. Bring US dollars in small notes, as change can be hard to get.
- Travel advice: check the latest UK government travel advice for Zimbabwe on GOV.UK before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from London to Harare at Christmas?
Yes. Air Zimbabwe flies direct from London Gatwick to Harare in about 10 hours, and adds a 4th weekly flight from 7 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. It's the only direct flight from the UK to Zimbabwe.
When should I book Christmas flights to Harare?
As early as possible, ideally in October or early November. Christmas is peak season, and fares usually rise as the cheaper seats sell out.
Which airline has the best baggage allowance to Harare?
Air Zimbabwe includes 2 x 23kg in economy on its direct Gatwick flight, and Ethiopian Airlines usually includes 2 x 23kg too. Other airlines vary by fare, so always check before you pay.
What is the cheapest way to fly to Harare for Christmas?
It depends on your dates. Sometimes the direct Air Zimbabwe flight is best value once its 2 x 23kg baggage is included, and sometimes a one-stop fare via Addis Ababa is cheaper. Avoiding the busiest days just before Christmas also helps.
How long is the flight from London to Harare?
About 10 hours direct with Air Zimbabwe from Gatwick. With one stop, it's around 14 hours via Addis Ababa and longer via Nairobi, Johannesburg, Dubai or Doha.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Yes. British citizens need a visa. Most visitors get a visa on arrival, usually valid for 30 days and paid in US dollars, or apply for an e-visa before travel.
More Zimbabwe Flight Guides
- Cheap flights to Harare
- Cheap flights to Zimbabwe
- Cheap flights to Bulawayo
- Flights to Harare from the UK: complete guide
- Cheap flights to Africa from the UK
Ready to book your Christmas flights to Harare? Dream Fare compares Air Zimbabwe's direct flight with every one-stop option for your exact dates and baggage needs. Call 020 8264 0018, message us on WhatsApp or get a free quote today.
Routes, schedules and fares change, especially over the festive season. Information in this guide was checked in October 2026. Always confirm current flights and prices for your dates.