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Melissa Mpofu

FastJet is set to introduce more flights between Bulawayo’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport this November, further expanding its service after increasing frequencies on that route in October last year.

The new flights, starting November 1, aim to cater to both business and leisure travellers between the two destinations. The airline will offer additional weekend flights, departing Johannesburg at 1110hrs and arriving in Bulawayo at 1230hrs. The return flight will leave Bulawayo at 1300hrs, arriving in Johannesburg at 1420hrs.

These additional flights will boost the airline’s weekend service to 15 weekly flights, offering customers greater flexibility and travel options. The existing flights depart Bulawayo at 0830hrs and 1810hrs.

“We continue to demonstrate our commitment to enhanced connectivity in Zimbabwe. As we approach the holiday season, these new frequencies will provide additional capacity between these two cities of significant importance in the Southern African region,” FastJet said in a statement.

The announcement of FastJet’s additional flight has been met with enthusiasm, with many customers sharing suggestions on social media. Some have called for the reintroduction of evening flights from Johannesburg to Bulawayo.

“Thank you for introducing extra flights between Blues (Bulawayo) and Jozi (Johannesburg). I would like to suggest bringing back the evening flight from Jozi to Byo because your afternoon flight isn’t late enough for people who want to spend a full day in Jozi and fly to Blues at the end of the day,” one Facebook user suggested.

“This flight would also serve those arriving in Jozi after 4:00pm and looking to connect to Blues without staying overnight. Alternatively, you could push back your 4:15pm flight to around 7:00pm.”

Others have proposed the addition of a Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route.

“If only you could combine with a Vic Falls-Bulawayo route. The road is horrible, and flights are limited. Just make weekend visits between the two cities possible, please,” another customer commented.

Another request was for a frequent flyer programme.

“Please introduce a frequent flyer scheme because some of us use your services as frequently as we can,” one regular flyer suggested.

The airline which is exhibiting at the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo connects three major cities in Zimbabwe with flights between Harare and Victoria Falls, as well as Harare and Bulawayo. Additionally, the airline that began operations in 2012, offers international routes from Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, South Africa, and from Victoria Falls to Mbombela (Kruger) Nelspruit, Mpumalanga in South Africa.

The airline offers a range of value-added services, making it popular among locals for its flexibility and affordability. Customers enjoy the convenience of flexible change options and multiple payment channels.

Tickets for the new flights are available for booking via the FastJet website, mobile app, and online trade portals.