Air ZimbabweUM

Air Zimbabwe is the flag carrier of Zimbabwe, headquartered at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Founded in 1967, the airline carries the slogan "Zimbabwean Hospitality in the Skies" and serves as the primary link between Zimbabwe and the southern African region.

The airline has experienced significant operational challenges over the years, including fleet groundings, financial difficulties, and service suspensions. After a period of limited operations, Air Zimbabwe resumed domestic flights in September 2020 and regional services in October 2020. By March 2023, the airline had cleared its debt to IATA and announced plans to rebuild its network. The carrier is currently implementing a turnaround strategy with government backing through the Mutapa Investment Fund, including a planned $775 million fleet renewal program.

Air Zimbabwe operates a small fleet including Boeing 767-200, Boeing 737, and Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft, though availability varies. The airline is not a member of any global airline alliance but maintains interline agreements with regional carriers. Victoria Falls serves as a secondary hub, supporting the country's tourism industry.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all passengers):

• Dimensions: 51 x 38 x 20 cm (20" x 15" x 8")
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) maximum
• Must fit in overhead bin

Personal Items (carried unconditionally in addition to cabin bag):

• Overcoats, walking sticks
• Small cameras, laptops
• Ladies' handbags

Checked Baggage

Domestic Routes (Harare-Bulawayo, Harare-Victoria Falls):

Class	Pieces	Weight
Economy	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Business	1 bag	30 kg (66 lbs)

Regional Routes:

Destination	Pieces	Weight
Johannesburg	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Dar es Salaam	3 bags	20 kg (44 lbs) each

Maximum Bag Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs) per piece. Heavier items must be shipped via cargo freight.

Excess Baggage Fees

Route Type	Fee per kg
Domestic (HRE-BUQ, HRE-VFA)	$2.00
Regional/International	$2.00-$5.00

Maximum authorized excess: 50 kg. Additional baggage beyond this must use cargo services.

Special Allowances

Item	Allowance	Notes
Sports equipment	+15 kg free	Golf bags, sporting gear over standard allowance
Baby items	+12 kg free	Bedding, diapers, feeding bottles
Car seat	Free	Does not count toward allowance
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Priority handling

Items Not Allowed in Carry-On

The following must be placed in checked baggage:

• Knives, penknives, razor blades
• Scissors, household cutlery
• Tradesman's tools
• Sporting bats, darts
• Knitting needles

Liability Notice

Air Zimbabwe does not assume liability for valuables in checked baggage including laptops, jewelry, mobile phones, cameras, and medication. Keep these items in your carry-on.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at airzimbabwe.aero/baggage before traveling.

Business Class

Air Zimbabwe offers Business Class on Boeing 767 and Boeing 737 aircraft for regional and domestic routes.

Boeing 767-200:

• Wider seats with increased pitch
• Priority boarding
• Enhanced meal service
• Complimentary beverages including alcoholic drinks

Service:

• Traditional Zimbabwean hospitality
• Multi-course meals on longer routes
• Complimentary drinks service

Economy Class

Boeing 767-200 (Regional):

• Standard economy seating
• Seat pitch: Approximately 31-32 inches
• Complimentary meal service on international flights
• Beverage service

Boeing 737 / Embraer ERJ-145 (Domestic/Regional):

• Standard economy configuration
• Seat pitch: 30-31 inches
• Snack and beverage service on shorter flights
• Limited entertainment options

Meals:

• Complimentary meals on international flights
• Snacks and beverages on domestic routes
• Traditional Zimbabwean cuisine featured
• Special dietary requirements: Contact airline in advance

Note: In-flight entertainment options are limited. Passengers are advised to bring personal entertainment devices for longer flights.

Booking

• Book directly through airzimbabwe.aero for best support during disruptions
• Reconfirm your booking 72 hours before departure (mandatory)
• Keep booking confirmation and contact details accessible
• Check flight status regularly as schedules may change

Victoria Falls Tourism

Air Zimbabwe is one of the primary carriers to Victoria Falls:

• Peak season: June-August (dry season, best views)
• Book early during peak tourist periods
• Consider combining with domestic connections to Harare or Bulawayo
• The airline supports tourism packages to Zimbabwe's attractions

At the Airport

• Arrive early; online check-in is not available
• Domestic: 90 minutes before departure minimum
• International: 2 hours before departure minimum
• Weigh your luggage before arriving; limits are enforced
• Keep valuables in carry-on luggage

Baggage Tips

• Sports equipment gets 15 kg free allowance over standard limit
• Baby items (diapers, bedding) have separate 12 kg allowance
• Domestic excess baggage is only $2/kg - affordable if needed
• Maximum 50 kg per bag; heavier items go to cargo

Regional Connections

• Johannesburg (JNB) offers connections to global destinations via other carriers
• Dar es Salaam provides East African connectivity
• Consider codeshare partners for onward travel
• Allow adequate connection time when booking through hubs

Common Issues to Avoid

• Don't skip reconfirmation: Your booking may be cancelled
• Don't rely on online check-in: It's not available
• Don't pack valuables in checked bags: No airline liability
• Don't cut it close: Arrive with plenty of time given potential changes

Currency

Zimbabwe primarily uses USD for transactions. Air Zimbabwe prices and fees are quoted in US dollars, making it straightforward for international travelers.

Last updated: January 2025