Zimbabwe will resume domestic and international flights on 10 September and 1 October, respectively, Government has announced today.
In a post-Cabinet update, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said as part of the measures to allow for the resumption of domestic and international flights, all travellers will be required to have a PCR Covid-19 Clearance Certificate.
The certificate should be issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure.
Said Minister Mutsvangwa:
“Cabinet approved the opening up of the country’s skies to both domestic and international flights effective 10th September and 1st October, 2020, respectively.
“Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been put in place for the reopening of international and some domestic airports.
“The National Guidelines for Aviation Safety and Security have been developed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to ensure the safety of both the travellers and airport staff.
“These are additional to temperature testing, social distancing, sanitization, and mandatory wearing of masks.
“All travellers will be required to have a PCR Covid-19 Clearance Certificate issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure, in line with WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines.”
The Covid-19 pandemic, with its attendant national lockdowns, had disrupted travel across the globe.
Most airlines – including the national airliner, Air Zimbabwe, had shifted to focus on cargo business.
Zimbabwe’s resumption of domestic and international flights comes on the back of a resumption of all tourism facilities across the country.
Tourism is one of the major contributors to the country’s gross domestic product.