22/04/2026
Harare Lands Etihad Route as Global Airline Expands Into Africa
Harare has been named among six new African destinations in a major expansion by Etihad Airways, a fast-growing global carrier based in Abu Dhabi.
The airline announced that Harare will join new services to Accra, Asmara, Kinshasa, Lagos and Lubumbashi as part of a broader African push.
Founded in 2003, Etihad is Abu Dhabiโs national airline and one of the Middle Eastโs leading carriers. It operates more than 120 aircraft, serves over 100 destinations worldwide and carried more than 22 million passengers in 2025, with annual revenue of about US$8.4 billion.
For Zimbabwe, the move strengthens Harareโs international air links and opens new travel, tourism and trade opportunities through Abu Dhabi, a major global aviation hub.
The Harare service is expected to begin in March 2027, giving travellers new one-stop access to the Middle East, Asia and Europe through Etihadโs wider network.
Industry observers say the route is a vote of confidence in Harare as a growing regional gateway, with potential to boost visitor arrivals, cargo movement and business travel.
For Zimbabwe, landing a route from a profitable global airline is more than another flight announcement โ it is a signal Harare is back on the radar of major international carriers.
Etihad Airways