Egypt Air resumes Zimbabwe services

Published: 10 June 2013

THE timing of the relaunch of the Egypt Air services to Harare is perfect considering the expected increase in the movement of people into the country for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly next month, an official said yesterday.

Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the airline's inaugural flight from Cairo to Harare at the Harare International Airport, Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Mr Munesu Munodawafa said the direct flight solved the problem of connectivity between Zimbabwe and Northern Africa.

"In the past, you had to go to Europe first and then connect to Cairo or spend two days in East Africa before you can get to Cairo.

"The coming back of a direct connection to Cairo is very welcome and it will connect the Great Pyramids of Egypt with the Mighty Victoria Falls," he said.

He added that the link between the two countries would make travel easier and more efficient for visitors coming for the meeting in August.

Mr Munodawafa said the relaunch also fits in well with the vision of the ministry to transform Zimbabwe into a regional hub with world class infrastructure and service for the transport and communication sectors.

Mr Munodawafa challenged the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to take advantage of the connectivity to come up with strategic tour packages that would bring more travellers to Zimbabwe and boost the tourism sector.

Mr Munodawafa also said the coming in of the airline provided synergies with Air Zimbabwe following the resurgence of the national airline.

Egyptian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Basem Khalil said the airlink would not only connect Egypt and Zimbabwe but would provide a direct link with East Africa which has not been available.

Egypt Air's return to Harare skies comes after a nine-year absence that was precipitated by the turbulent economic situation. The airline will fly four times a week between Harare and Cairo via Dar es Salaam, using a Boeing 737-900.
- herald

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