Emirates will increase its weekly flights to Zimbabwe and Zambia from February.

The airline, which has recorded a gradual increase in travel on the Dubai-Harare-Lusaka route, said frequency would be increased from three flights a week to four.

The fourth flight will operate on Wednesdays, using a Boeing 777-300ER. This complements its current Friday, Saturday and Sunday flights on the route.

“Flight EK714 departs Harare at 12h55 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays, arriving in Dubai at 00h35 the next day. Flight EK713 departs from Dubai at 03h30 on the same days, arriving in Harare at 11h15,” said the airline in a statement.

The airline added that passengers from Harare could also travel to Lusaka on the same flight, arriving in Lusaka at 14h00. The return flight to Harare departs from Lusaka at 10h10.

Tourism players in Zimbabwe said the announcement by Emirates came at an opportune time when the sector was battling to recover in the midst of the pandemic.

“This certainly increases access to our destination, especially during these difficult times as we hope for better fortunes in 2021,” said Victoria Falls Anytime Tours Manager, Sinini Mthimkhulu.

Air travel to Zimbabwe remains unhindered by the new lockdown measures. Tourist facilities and national parks remain open but will be bound by the adjusted curfew hours and other COVID-19-related regulations.