Etihad, Fastjet Zimbabwe partner to offer single-ticket travel across southern Africa
Harare agreement supports future Abu Dhabi route launch
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has strengthened its African expansion strategy by signing a new partnership with Fastjet Zimbabwe that will offer passengers easier access to destinations across Zimbabwe and southern Africa.
The agreement was signed in Harare on 7th July 2026 and covers an interline partnership, a future codeshare arrangement and a frequent flyer collaboration. Sales under the partnership will begin on 24th August 2026, allowing travellers to book connected journeys on a single ticket.
The new agreement is designed to improve connectivity for customers travelling on both airlines, enabling seamless onward travel between their respective networks while simplifying bookings and transfers.
New partnership
Under the partnership, passengers flying with Etihad will be able to connect from Harare to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg using Fastjet Zimbabwe services, all on a single ticket. The arrangement extends Etihad's reach beyond Zimbabwe's capital and provides travellers with more convenient access to key regional destinations.
The collaboration also complements Etihad's planned direct service between Abu Dhabi and Harare, scheduled to begin on 24 March 2027. Once launched, the new route will connect Zimbabwe directly with the UAE capital while giving passengers across Etihad's global network easier access to destinations within Zimbabwe through Fastjet's domestic services.
For Fastjet Zimbabwe, the agreement opens access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad's extensive international network, covering destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond. Travellers choosing to stop in Abu Dhabi can also benefit from Etihad's Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which includes up to two complimentary hotel nights.
Loyalty plans
The partnership also includes plans for a frequent flyer collaboration, with Fastjet Zimbabwe set to become Etihad Guest's 32nd airline partner. The future integration will allow eligible members to enjoy loyalty programme benefits across both airlines.
Arik De, Etihad Airways' Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said Africa remains an important market in the airline's growth strategy, adding that partnerships such as the one with Fastjet Zimbabwe help expand Etihad's reach across the continent while giving customers the convenience of planning journeys across Zimbabwe on a single ticket.
Donahue Cortes, Business CEO and Country Head of Fastjet Zimbabwe, described the agreement as the beginning of what the airline expects to be a significant partnership. He said the collaboration with Etihad would create opportunities to improve connectivity, expand travel choices for customers and strengthen Zimbabwe's links with international markets.
Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet's Chief Commercial Officer, said the partnership would provide travellers in Zimbabwe with easier access to Etihad's worldwide network through Harare, enabling passengers to reach Abu Dhabi and destinations across multiple continents on a single ticket.