Etihad Airways Ignites a New African Aviation Era With Powerful Fastjet Zimbabwe Partnership Expanding Global Connections, Tourism Growth and Seamless Travel Across Borders

Etihad Airways is igniting a new African aviation era through its powerful partnership with Fastjet Zimbabwe, creating expanded global connections, boosting tourism growth and delivering seamless travel across borders by introducing interline services, codeshare cooperation and easier access to key Zimbabwean destinations including Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg through a single ticketing system. The historic agreement strengthens links between Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates while opening new opportunities for travellers to connect with Etihad’s worldwide network.

Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe are creating a powerful new travel connection between Zimbabwe, the United Arab Emirates and global destinations through a major aviation partnership that will introduce seamless ticketing, expanded routes, stronger tourism links and new loyalty benefits for travellers. The agreement marks a significant step in improving international mobility while strengthening connections between Africa, the Middle East and worldwide markets.

Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe Launch Strategic Partnership to Transform Travel Connections

Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new cooperation framework that includes an interline partnership, codeshare agreement and frequent flyer collaboration. The agreement is designed to make travel easier by allowing passengers to access destinations served by both airlines through a single ticketing system.

The partnership was officially signed in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 7 July 2026, creating a stronger aviation bridge between Zimbabwe and Etihad’s expanding international network. Ticket sales under the new arrangement will begin from 24 August 2026, allowing travellers to plan future journeys with improved convenience.

Through this partnership, passengers will benefit from smoother connections, reduced booking complexity and a more integrated travel experience. The agreement reflects the growing importance of airline partnerships in expanding global connectivity without requiring passengers to manage separate reservations.

Zimbabwe Travel Expansion Opens New Routes to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg

Under the new cooperation, travellers flying with Etihad Airways will be able to continue their journeys with Fastjet Zimbabwe to important destinations including Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg using one combined ticket.

This development creates new opportunities for international visitors arriving through Etihad’s network to explore more of Zimbabwe’s tourism and business destinations.

Key destinations connected through the partnership include:

• Zimbabwe – Harare: The country’s capital will become the main gateway for Etihad’s upcoming direct connection with Abu Dhabi. The new route will strengthen business, tourism and cultural links between Zimbabwe and the UAE.
• Zimbabwe – Bulawayo: Known as one of Zimbabwe’s major cities, Bulawayo will gain stronger international accessibility through easier connections with Etihad’s global network.
• Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls: One of Africa’s most famous tourism destinations will become easier to reach for international travellers seeking natural wonders, adventure experiences and iconic landscapes.
• South Africa – Johannesburg: The partnership will also improve regional connectivity by allowing passengers to combine Etihad and Fastjet Zimbabwe services when travelling between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The cooperation builds on Etihad’s upcoming direct Abu Dhabi–Harare service, scheduled to begin on 24 March 2027. This new route will extend Etihad’s presence beyond Zimbabwe’s capital by connecting passengers to additional destinations through Fastjet Zimbabwe.

Abu Dhabi Emerges as a Global Stopover Destination for Zimbabwe Travellers

For Fastjet Zimbabwe passengers, the partnership provides a gateway to Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways’ extensive global network.

Travellers choosing to stop in the UAE capital will have opportunities to experience a destination that combines modern attractions, cultural heritage and desert landscapes.

Visitors can explore:

• The Corniche: A famous waterfront destination offering views, leisure spaces and a relaxing urban experience.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: A world-renowned cultural attraction located on Saadiyat Island, showcasing international art and heritage.
• Abu Dhabi Desert Experiences: Peaceful desert landscapes beyond the city provide visitors with unique adventure and cultural activities.

Through the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, travellers can also benefit from up to two complimentary hotel nights, encouraging more visitors to discover the UAE capital during their journey.

Etihad Guest Loyalty Partnership Expands Benefits for Frequent Travellers

The agreement will also strengthen loyalty opportunities as Fastjet Zimbabwe becomes Etihad Guest’s 32nd airline partner.

Future members of the programme will be able to enjoy frequent flyer benefits across both airlines. This will provide greater value for regular travellers by allowing them to access rewards and advantages while travelling across connected routes.

The loyalty partnership adds another layer of convenience and shows how airlines are increasingly creating shared benefits to improve passenger experiences.

Hahnair Expands Global Mobility Network With Ten New Airline and Rail Partners

Alongside the Etihad and Fastjet Zimbabwe partnership, global travel distribution company Hahnair has continued expanding its worldwide network by adding ten new mobility partners since January 2026.

The expansion includes airlines from different regions as well as rail connectivity providers. Seven new partners have increased their indirect sales reach through interline agreements with Hahnair, while three companies have adopted the X1-Air solution, allowing distribution through major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) under the X1 code.

New Hahnair partners include:

• New Zealand – Air Chathams (3C): Expanding regional aviation connections in the Pacific.
• Sudan – Badr Airlines (J4): Strengthening travel distribution opportunities in Africa.
• Bermuda – BermudAir (2T): Adding new connectivity options in the Caribbean region.
• United States – Brightline (BE): A Florida-based rail company becoming Hahnair’s second rail partner after Eurostar.
• United States – Contour Aviation (LF): Improving access to regional aviation services.
• Kenya – Fanjet Express Limited (7F): Expanding African transport connections.
• Romania – HiSky Europe (H4): Supporting wider European travel distribution.

Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe are transforming African travel with a landmark partnership that expands global connectivity, strengthens tourism links and creates seamless journeys between Zimbabwe, the UAE and international destinations.

Partners available under the X1 code across major GDS platforms include:

• Kyrgyzstan – Aero Nomad Airlines (KA): Increasing Central Asian connectivity.
• Sweden – Skåne Aviation AB (1SK): Adding another Scandinavian mobility partner.
• Sweden – Sola Air (1SA): Expanding regional travel options in Sweden.

The latest developments from Etihad Airways, Fastjet Zimbabwe and Hahnair highlight a major shift in global travel, where airlines and transport companies are joining forces to create simpler, faster and more connected journeys. With stronger links between Zimbabwe, the UAE, Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond, these partnerships are opening a new chapter for international tourism and business travel.