QATAR Airways could begin flights to Zimbabwe before the end of the year as international airlines continue to feast on Air Zimbabwe's carcass, a minister said on Monday.
Transport Minister Nicholas Goche said Qatar Airways – the flag carrier of the Middle East economic powerhouse – were currently evaluating route options.
"I have had discussions with Qatar (and) they are coming," Goche told the House of Assembly's Committee on Transport.
"The only decision to be made is whether they are going to fly directly to Harare, or they will pass through other countries in both directions... but they are coming."
Qatar Airways, headquartered in Doha, currently flies 115 international destinations with its fleet of 105 planes.
A decision to fly to Zimbabwe would link the country to destinations in the Far and Middle East, Indian sub-continent, Europe and Australasia via the airline's hub in Doha.
Qatar Airways' regional rival, Emirates Airlines from Dubai, opened a new route to Harare in February. Emirates flies a five-day-a-week schedule to Harare via Lusaka, Zambia.
Zimbabwe's flag carrier Air Zimbabwe suspended all flights last December after being engulfed by a debt crisis which saw its planes being impounded in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
Goche announced last week that the government was assuming Air Zimbabwe's debt of over US$150 million, while simultaneously disbanding the company to allow for restructuring.
But the arrival of the new airlines could be a boon for the country's tourism sector which has suffered over the years due to the irregularity of flights in and out of Zimbabwe.
South Africa Airways has been the biggest beneficiary of Air Zimbabwe's troubles after trebling its flights to Harare and Bulawayo since December. SAA now flies 22 times a week to both cities.
Goche insists Air Zimbabwe will return for the long term, and confirmed that the airline had leased an Airbus A320 and was actively trying to partner with an international airline before taking back to the skies.
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