by Harare Post reporter

Domestic and regional flights that have been suspended since the start of lockdown in March this year, are set to resume next week in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s directive of gradually easing the lockdown regulations to allow some sectors of the economy to start operating.

In a statement yesterday, Air Zimbabwe announced that flights will resume from 23 September, this month.

“Air Zimbabwe wishes to announce the resumption of domestic and regional flight operations with effect from 23 September and 3 October respectively,

“The domestic flight schedule features Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls morning schedule and Harare ,Victoria Falls, and Bulawayo evening schedule every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The regional Harare/ Dar es-Salaam schedule shall initially operate every Tuesday and Saturday with an additional frequency expected towards the end of year,” said Air Zimbabwe in a statement.

Air Zimbabwe further advised that it is still waiting for confirmation of the opening of South African airspace and airports, whereinafter dates for resumption of flights into Johannesburg  shall be announced.

The national airline said their offices are now open for bookings and ticketing and clients are urged to follow all COVID-19 protocols when visiting their offices.

Air Zimbabwe further said that it will be publishing guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and World Health Organisation for air travel from time to time. Currently, these guidelines include personal masking up, sanitizing, washing hands, temperature checks, as well as disinfection of an aircraft before and after disembarkation of passengers.

The resumption of domestic and regional flights is expected to boost local and international trade that has been stifled by the COVID-19-induced lockdown.