Harare International Airport

Harare International Airport (officially Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport) is the main air gateway to Zimbabwe and the country's largest airport. Located near the capital city of Harare, it serves as a key transport hub connecting the nation with major cities in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Thanks to recent extensive modernization, the airport has significantly increased its capacity and acquired modern infrastructure to comfortably accommodate the growing number of travellers. It serves as the base for the national carrier, Air Zimbabwe.

Harare Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. In the modernized terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights, you will find currency exchange bureaus, ATMs, several cafes and restaurants, as well as duty-free shops. The reconstruction not only refreshed the interior but also increased the capacity to 6 million passengers per year, making the airport one of the most modern in the region. The most convenient way to reach the city centre, located approximately 12 km away, is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer — the journey takes about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.

• Official Website: www.acz.co.zw (website of the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, ACZ).
• Helpdesk Phone: +263 242 575 161 / +263 242 585 073. It is recommended to verify the number before calling.
• Airport Address: Airport Road, Harare, Zimbabwe.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the management company's email: enquiries@acz.co.zw.
• Social Media: Official pages of the airport management company are available on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where updates and news are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the Lost & Found service of your airline directly. The airport does not process such requests, but the information desk can provide you with contact details for the relevant carrier's representative.
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance and answers to general questions, you can contact the main helpdesk number or visit the information desk in the airport terminal.

Harare International Airport (HRE), the main air hub of Zimbabwe, is located approximately 15 km southeast of Harare city centre. When planning your trip, you can choose from several methods to get from the airport to the city or vice versa.

Taxi and Private Transfer

This is the most convenient and recommended method for tourists. The trip to the city centre takes on average 20-40 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. The cost of an official taxi ride to central Harare is usually $25-35. For greater peace of mind and a guaranteed fixed price, it is better to pre-book a transfer through your hotel or a reliable online service. This is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or arriving late at night.

Public Transport

There is no direct bus or rail link between the airport and central Harare. Local minibuses, known as "kombis", operate nearby, but this option is more suitable for experienced travellers familiar with local conditions. For tourists with luggage, a trip in a kombi can be uncomfortable and difficult to navigate, so this method is generally not recommended.

Car Rental

For those who value independence and plan to explore the surroundings, renting a car is an excellent solution. Offices of several international and local rental agencies operate at the airport. The estimated cost of renting an economy class car starts from $50-70 per day, excluding insurance and additional fees. Please note that traffic in Zimbabwe drives on the left. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including an International Driving Permit.

Airport Parking

If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking facilities are at your disposal. Zones for both short-term and long-term parking are provided. Rates vary depending on the duration of parking.

Harare International Airport (HRE), also known as Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, is the primary gateway to Zimbabwe. Thanks to recent modernization, its structure has become more contemporary and passenger-friendly. The airport consists of two main terminals: the new International Terminal and the old terminal, which now primarily serves domestic flights.

The airport layout is quite simple and intuitive. The new international terminal is a modern building handling all flights outside the country. The old terminal, located in immediate proximity, is designated for flights within Zimbabwe, such as to Victoria Falls or Bulawayo. The terminals are situated next to each other, and transferring between them can easily be done on foot in a few minutes by following the signs.

Departure and Arrival Zones are organized according to a standard layout. In the departure hall, you will find airline check-in counters, after which you must proceed through passport control and security screening. The waiting area before the boarding gates is equipped with seating, shops, and cafes. In the arrival zone, passengers first go through immigration control, then collect luggage from the carousel belts, and pass through customs.

Regarding the time required for pre-flight formalities, it is recommended to adhere to standard rules. For international flights, it is worth arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Check-in and security screening usually take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on passenger volume. For domestic flights, arriving 1.5-2 hours before departure is sufficient, as procedures here are significantly faster.

For convenient navigation through the airport, pay attention to information boards and signs, which are duplicated in English. Airport staff are always ready to assist and provide directions. Given the recent changes in terminal operations, it is recommended to verify with your airline before travelling to the airport exactly which terminal (the new international or the old domestic) your flight will operate from.

The history of the main airport of Harare began long before the city and country received their modern names. Originally known as Salisbury Airport, it was built between 1951 and 1956 and officially opened for commercial flights in 1957. From the very beginning, it was designed on a grand scale: its runway, 4,725 metres long, was one of the longest in Africa, allowing it to accommodate the largest airliners of that time.

After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980 and the capital was renamed Harare, the airport received its modern name — Harare International Airport. This marked a new era in its development as the main air gateway of the independent state. In subsequent years, it became a vital transport hub for Southern Africa.

A key stage of modernization was the opening of the new international terminal in 2001. This project, inspired by the architecture of the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, significantly increased the airport's capacity and improved the level of comfort for passengers. The terminal was equipped with modern baggage handling systems, aerobridges, and spacious waiting lounges.

In November 2017, the airport was officially renamed Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in honour of the first President of Zimbabwe. Today, it continues to play a central role in the country's transport system, linking Harare with dozens of cities in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, remaining a symbol of the nation's aviation history.

Harare International Airport (HRE) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack or a full meal, as well as shops, including Duty Free, with a wide selection of souvenirs, local goods, and perfumes.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport features VIP lounges and business lounges. They offer guests a private atmosphere, complimentary snacks and beverages, current newspapers, and work zones. Access to such lounges is usually paid or provided to business class passengers and loyalty card holders.

Staying connected is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets are located in the waiting halls. To handle financial matters, passengers have access to bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange bureaus where money can be exchanged upon arrival or before departure.

In case of illness, a medical station operates at the airport, ready to provide first aid. Families with small children can use the mother and child room, equipped with everything necessary for infant care. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps, special restrooms, and staff assistance are provided; it is recommended to request assistance in advance through your airline.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located a few minutes' drive from the terminal. For business travellers, basic business services, such as workspaces and internet access, are provided in the VIP lounges.

At Harare International Airport (HRE), travellers can refresh themselves before their flight at several establishments located in both the public area before security control and the sterile departure zone. The choice ranges from quick snacks to more substantial meals.

In the public area (landside), on the ground floor, you will find the main food court. This is the best place for a full lunch, especially if you are not travelling alone and wish to spend time with those seeing you off. Popular fast-food chains such as Pizza Inn and Chicken Inn are present here, where you can order pizza, fried chicken, and other familiar dishes. This is a reliable and filling option if you have time before flight check-in.

After passing passport control and security (airside), the choice becomes more limited but sufficient for a light snack. The Runway Cafe operates here — a typical airport cafe where you can have coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as a sandwich or pastries. Nearby, you will usually find counters offering various beverages to help you relax while waiting for boarding.

Although the airport is primarily oriented towards international fast food, some establishments may offer elements of local gastronomy. If the opportunity arises, try dishes inspired by the cuisine of Zimbabwe, such as grilled meat — this is your last chance to enjoy local flavours. However, it is worth noting that the selection for passengers with special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes) is extremely limited. If you follow a strict diet, it is recommended to eat beforehand or bring food with you.

As in most international airports, prices for food and drinks here are significantly higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments in the departure zone are usually aligned with the flight schedule, ensuring service for passengers on both morning and evening flights. For a quick snack, the cafe in the departure zone is ideal, while for a substantial lunch or dinner, it is better to choose the food court in the main part of the terminal.

To ensure your journey through Harare International Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time and prepare for any eventuality.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. If possible, complete online check-in for your flight — this will save time at the airline counters. Note that queues for security screening and passport control can be long, so do not leave these procedures until the last moment.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Standard rules regarding liquids (no more than 100 ml per container) and the prohibition of sharp objects apply here as well. Always keep documents, money, valuables, and necessary medication in your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, whilst an aisle seat ensures easy access to the lavatory and the ability to stretch your legs during a long flight.

Customs Control and Transfers: When entering or leaving the country, you will need to pass through customs control. Be prepared to present your passport, visa (if required), and a completed declaration form. If you have a layover in Harare, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage or if it will be automatically transferred to the next flight. Also, check if a transit visa is required for your stay at the airport.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations: To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, as well as light snacks. In case of a flight delay, do not panic. First, contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Keep your insurance company's contact details at hand.