Fastjet Adds Early Morning Johannesburg To Harare Flight For Business Travellers

For years, one of the biggest frustrations for business travellers flying between Johannesburg and Harare has been timing. Catching a midday or evening flight often meant losing valuable working hours on either side of the border. Now, Fastjet Zimbabwe is stepping in to change that.

A New Option For The Early Risers

From September 29, Fastjet will introduce an additional frequency on its busy Johannesburg-Harare route. The new service, operated by an Embraer ERJ145, leaves OR Tambo International at 06:55 and touches down in Harare at 08:40. On the return, travellers can board in Harare at 19:00 and be back in Joburg by 20:50.

The new flight will run every day except Saturdays, offering a schedule that feels tailor-made for professionals needing a full working day in Zimbabwe’s capital.

Why It Matters For Cross-Border Business

Johannesburg and Harare share one of southern Africa’s busiest travel corridors. Many South African companies maintain strong ties with Zimbabwean partners, while Zimbabweans often travel to Joburg for corporate, retail and banking needs. Fastjet’s decision to introduce an early-morning option taps directly into this reality.

Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained it simply: “In the past months, we have witnessed a growing demand from business people for an early-morning departure from Johannesburg to Harare. Our fastjet flight FN8220 now allows our customers an early-morning departure from Johannesburg, resulting in a full business day in Harare.”

Regional Context

Business travellers on social media have welcomed the move, calling it a “time saver” and “a long-overdue service” for those who often had to fly in the night before to attend morning meetings. Frequent travellers note that the addition also improves connectivity for onward regional and international flights from Harare.

Zimbabwe’s aviation sector has been experiencing a revival in recent years, with airlines like Fastjet focusing on practical, passenger-first schedules. This new flight is another sign that competition is heating up, ultimately benefitting travellers with more choice and flexibility.

The Bigger Picture

For both Zimbabwe and South Africa, improved connectivity isn’t just about convenience. It plays a role in supporting trade, investment, and even tourism. A reliable morning connection makes Harare more accessible for conferences, short-term projects, and regional collaboration.

As business ties between the two countries remain strong, Fastjet’s latest move may feel like a small change, but for the countless professionals making this trip every week, it could be the difference between wasting a day in transit and making every hour count.

Source:Travel News 

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