- Flight Disruptions
- Air Zimbabwe reschedules Harare-London Gatwick flights after 31 July disruption
Air Zimbabwe reschedules Harare-London Gatwick flights after 31 July disruption
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Eligible for compensation
Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on August 4, 2026
2
Affected flights
2
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Air Zimbabwe's long-haul service between Harare and London remains disrupted after an operational issue on 31 July 2026 forced more schedule changes. Flight UM724 from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport left almost a full 24 hours later, at 8:30 pm on 3 August 2026 and landed at London Gatwick Airport after 6:00 am on 4 August 2026, while the return UM725 departed at 8:30 am and arrived in Harare at 8:00 pm the same day.
Air Zimbabwe says the earlier problem disrupted planned aircraft and crew use, and its customer service team is contacting affected travelers directly.
Because the issue appears to be within the airline's control, affected passengers may have rights to care and passengers on the London departure could claim up to US$650 compensation under UK 261, depending on the final cause.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations.
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Disruption details
Air Zimbabwe has rescheduled its flights between Harare, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom after the disruption that canceled the airline's service on 31 July 2026 continued to affect later operations.
On 2 August 2026, the carrier said it could not operate Flight UM724 from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the return Flight UM725 from London Gatwick Airport as originally scheduled. Instead the flights operated almost a full 24-hours later on 2 August 2026 and 3 August 2026.
Under the revised schedule:
Flight UM724 was scheduled to depart Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at 8:30 pm on 3 August 2026 and arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 6:00 am on 4 August 2026.
Flight UM725 was rescheduled for London Gatwick Airport at 8:30 am on 4 August 2026 and arrive in Harare at 8:00 pm the same day.
Air Zimbabwe described the original problem only as an operational disruption. It didn't explain exactly what went wrong, but said the issue on 31 July 2026 disrupted the planned use of aircraft and crew, so later flights also had to be moved while it works to restore normal service.
The airline apologized for the inconvenience and said its customer service team is contacting affected travelers directly with updated arrangements. The current changes apply to the 2 long-haul sectors named in the airline's notice: UM724 and UM725.
That rolling approach has already frustrated some travelers. Passengers posting on X said the state-owned airline was releasing information in stages and urged it to publish a full revised timetable. Some also described the financial and practical cost of changing plans, including a traveler who said they had already paid US$1,300 for a flight that was pushed back by 24 hours.
Because Air Zimbabwe has described the problem as an operational issue, this disruption may fall within the airline's control. If your flight was canceled or arrived more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to up to US$650 compensation under UK 261, depending on the final cause and your journey details.
The airline should also help with a new flight or a refund, and with food, refreshments, and accommodation if you're delayed overnight. You can check your compensation with AirHelp in just 2 minutes.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Up to US$650 compensation
Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging up to US$650 per person. Check your flight.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Could be eligible for up to US$650 compensation
Flights affected
2
Airlines affected
Air Zimbabwe
Airports affected
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, London Gatwick Airport
Cities affected
Harare, London
Countries affected
Zimbabwe, United Kingdom
Start date
2026-07-31
End date
2026-08-04
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
August 4, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
