Flights to Harare from the UK — 2026 Guide
For the first time in 14 years, you can fly direct from London to Harare. Air Zimbabwe restarted non-stop flights from London Gatwick in July 2026, giving UK Zimbabweans and visitors a faster alternative to connecting through Addis Ababa, Dubai, Doha or Johannesburg.
At Dream Fare, we book flights from the UK to Zimbabwe every week. This guide compares the direct flight with the best one-stop options, explains baggage and timings, and shares the tips our customers ask about most. Last checked: October 2026.
WhatsApp: +44 20 8264 0018
We compare the direct flight and every one-stop option, with baggage included, before you pay.
Direct Flights from London to Harare: Air Zimbabwe
| Airline | Air Zimbabwe |
| Route | London Gatwick (South Terminal) → Harare (HRE) |
| How often | 3 flights a week, rising to 4 a week from 7 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Days changed with the October 2026 timetable, so check when you book. |
| Flight time | About 10 hours 30 minutes, overnight |
| Cabins | Economy and Business Class (Airbus A330) |
| Checked baggage | Economy 2 x 23kg · Business 3 x 23kg |
One-Stop Flights to Harare
On days without a direct flight, or when the direct fare is high, these one-stop routes are the most popular:
| Airline | Via | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa | Often competitive; economy usually includes 2 x 23kg. Flies from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. |
| Emirates | Dubai | Departures from several UK airports; the flight to Harare stops in Lusaka on the way. Baggage depends on fare. |
| Qatar Airways | Doha | Departures from several UK airports; the flight to Harare stops in Lusaka on the way. Baggage depends on fare. |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi | Daily from Heathrow to Nairobi, then on to Harare. |
| British Airways / Virgin Atlantic + Airlink | Johannesburg | Direct to Johannesburg, then a short regional flight to Harare. |
One-stop journeys usually take 13 to 16 hours in total. Always book connections on one ticket, so you are protected if your first flight is late and your bags are checked through to Harare.
Tell us when you want to travel and how many bags you need — we'll compare every option to Harare.
Get a Free QuoteFlying to Harare from Manchester, Birmingham or Scotland
There are no direct flights to Zimbabwe from UK regional airports. You can fly one stop with Ethiopian Airlines from Manchester, or with Emirates or Qatar Airways from several regional airports. Alternatively, take a domestic flight or train to London and connect to the Air Zimbabwe flight from Gatwick — but allow plenty of time if it is on a separate ticket.
Baggage: Which Option Gives You the Most?
- Air Zimbabwe: 2 x 23kg in economy, 3 x 23kg in Business, plus a 10kg cabin bag. Extra bags can be prepaid.
- Ethiopian Airlines: economy usually includes 2 x 23kg — check your fare.
- Emirates, Qatar Airways and others: the allowance depends on the fare you buy.
If you are taking gifts or extra luggage for family, compare the total price with bags included, not just the headline fare.
When to Book Flights to Harare
- Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive times to fly to Zimbabwe from the UK. Air Zimbabwe is adding a fourth weekly flight from 7 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, but book as early as you can.
- Easter and the UK summer holidays are also busy.
- Term-time weeks usually have better fares, especially from January to March.
For more on timing, see our guide to the best time to book flights to Africa.
Before You Travel to Zimbabwe
- Visa: UK passport holders need a visa. Most visitors get a visa on arrival, paid in US dollars, or apply for an e-visa before travel. If you plan to visit Victoria Falls and Zambia, the KAZA Univisa may suit you.
- Passport: it must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive and have at least 3 blank pages.
- Money: US dollars are widely used alongside the local currency, the ZiG. Bring clean, undamaged notes in small denominations. You cannot leave Zimbabwe with more than US$2,000 in cash.
- Arrival: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is about 15km from central Harare. Arrange a transfer with family or your hotel before you land.
Rules can change, so always check the latest UK government travel advice for Zimbabwe before you go.
Victoria Falls and Bulawayo
Many travellers combine Harare with Victoria Falls or Bulawayo. You can take a short domestic flight from Harare, or fly into Victoria Falls from Johannesburg. See our flights to Bulawayo page for routes to Zimbabwe’s second city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from the UK to Harare?
Yes. Air Zimbabwe restarted direct flights from London Gatwick to Harare in July 2026. It flies three times a week (four a week over Christmas 2026) and takes about 10 hours 30 minutes.
What baggage does Air Zimbabwe allow from London?
Air Zimbabwe includes 2 x 23kg of checked baggage in economy and 3 x 23kg in Business Class, plus a 10kg cabin bag. Extra bags can be prepaid.
Which London airport does Air Zimbabwe fly from?
London Gatwick, South Terminal. There are no direct flights to Harare from Heathrow or from regional UK airports.
Is it cheaper to fly direct or with one stop to Harare?
It depends on your dates. One-stop flights via Addis Ababa, Dubai, Doha or Nairobi can be cheaper, especially in peak season, but the direct flight saves several hours and includes 2 x 23kg. Compare the total price with the bags you need.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Yes. UK passport holders need a visa. Most visitors get a visa on arrival, paid in US dollars, or apply for an e-visa before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 3 blank pages.
Can Dream Fare book Air Zimbabwe flights?
Yes. We compare Air Zimbabwe's direct flight with Ethiopian, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways and routes via Johannesburg. Call 020 8264 0018 or message us on WhatsApp.
Book Your Harare Flight with Dream Fare
Whether you want the new direct flight or the best-value connection, we will find the right option for your dates and luggage. See current routes on our cheap flights to Harare page, browse all flights to Zimbabwe, or read our guide to cheap flights to Africa.
📞 Call us: 020 8264 0018
💬 WhatsApp: +44 20 8264 0018
Schedules and baggage rules are set by each airline and can change. Air Zimbabwe details checked October 2026 against Air Zimbabwe's announcement and published schedules; entry rules checked against UK government travel advice. Always confirm details on your own ticket before travelling.