Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering a new interline partnership, codeshare agreement and frequent flyer partnership.
The deal will give customers of both carriers access to a wider network of destinations through a single ticketing system. It was signed in Harare on 7 July 2026, with sales opening on 24 August 2026.
Under the arrangement, Etihad guests will be able to connect through to Fastjet Zimbabwe flights serving Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, all booked on one ticket alongside their Etihad journey.
The partnership complements Etihad’s planned direct route between Abu Dhabi and Harare, due to launch on 24 March 2027. That new service will extend the airline’s footprint in Zimbabwe beyond the capital, with Bulawayo and Victoria Falls also becoming easier to reach for travellers across Etihad’s broader network.
For Fastjet Zimbabwe, the tie-up provides its customers with access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global route map.
Visitors passing through the UAE capital can explore attractions such as the Corniche and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, or venture into the surrounding desert, with the option of up to two free hotel nights via the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme.
The agreement also brings Fastjet Zimbabwe into the Etihad Guest loyalty programme as its 32nd airline partner, paving the way for reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between the two carriers.
Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, said Africa remains a key growth market for the airline, and that partnerships such as this one help extend its reach across the continent. He noted that travellers will now be able to plan journeys spanning Harare and Victoria Falls on a single ticket, with more cooperation expected to follow.
Donahue Cortes, Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Business CEO & Country Head, described the agreement as the start of what he expects to become a substantial partnership, expressing enthusiasm about working with Etihad to improve connectivity and expand travel choices for customers while strengthening Zimbabwe’s ties to major international markets.
Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet’s Chief Commercial Officer, said the partnership effectively opens up the world for Zimbabwean travellers, allowing them to connect from Harare directly onto Etihad’s network and reach destinations across the Middle East, Asia and Europe on a single booking. She added that the airline is proud to offer Zimbabweans simpler access to a much broader range of destinations.
