When Good News Is No Longer Believed: The Real Story Behind Air Zimbabwe's Return to London:

The return of direct flights between Harare and London was framed as a breakthrough for Air Zimbabwe, but the article argues the situation hinges on trust and clarification of operating responsibility. It states that Air Zimbabwe has not resumed flying its own aircraft into the UK or EU because the airline remains listed on both the UK and EU Air Safety Lists, meaning it is still barred from operating its own aircraft into those jurisdictions. Instead, the route operates through a wet-lease arrangement with Spain’s Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which supplies aircraft, flight crew, maintenance, and insurance under Spanish oversight. The article says passengers buy tickets from Air Zimbabwe while flights are operated aboard Plus Ultra aircraft. It describes the direct linkage as a meaningful benefit for travelers who previously faced itineraries requiring multiple long connections. The piece also attributes public confusion to messaging that blurred the distinction between Air Zimbabwe operating the route and operating the aircraft.