Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has welcomed fastjet Zimbabwe’s continued route investment into the country, celebrating the additional flight frequencies from Bulawayo’s JM Nkomo International Airport to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport that launched on Monday (October 30).

The new weekday flights increase the daily service to 12 weekly flights from Bulawayo to Johannesburg, introducing choice and flexibility of travel between the two cities.

The additional weekday morning service will give travellers the option of a day trip, adding value and flexibility to their travel plans.

“We continue to demonstrate our commitment to enhanced connectivity in Zimbabwe. As we approach the holiday season, these new frequencies will provide additional capacity between these two cities of significant importance in the Southern African region,” said Nunurai Ndawana, spokesperson of fastjet Zimbabwe.

Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vivian Ruwuya, added: “Aviation is a catalyst in developing a destination. Adding these weekday frequencies contributes to the growth of tourism and commerce in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“As fastjet, we are committed to connectivity and are delighted to offer the Bulawayo-Johannesburg traveller the choice of a day trip flight for business or leisure.”

The new flights are available for booking via the fastjet website, mobile App and online trade portals.

Aviation a catalyst in Zim economy

“Aviation is an enabler, a catalyst in the development of Zimbabwe’s economy, more so tourism,” said Passmore Dewa, Manager of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, while lauding fastjet for developing new routes connecting Victoria Falls to previously unserved domestic tourism destinations such as  Hwange National Park and Kariba, and to South Africa and Botswana.

Zimbabwe’s tourism is on the rise after the pandemic, with tourist arrivals and investment on an upward trajectory as the government seeks to grow the sector into a US$5bn tourism economy by 2025.

Zimbabwe’s second city, Bulawayo offers tree-lined streets, parks and quaint colonial architecture, which makes it a favoured tourism destination. It also has a strong cultural and historic background. It has a lovely historic feel to it and it is worth spending a night or two there, especially as it is a gateway to Matobo National Park, and is an ideal staging point for Hwange National Park and Vic Falls.

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