FastJet one of Zimbabwe’s low-cost airline yesterday reintroduced the Victoria Falls Johannesburg route 8 months after the route was suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Chronicle reports.
This was revealed in a statement by Fastjet that stated that the budget airline had reintroduced the route:
We are pleased to introduce the convenience of a direct flight service between the two cities. A visit to Victoria Falls offers visitors to Zimbabwe the tranquil opportunity and escape into the wonders of nature, which does not come much more spectacular than Victoria Falls,
The budget airline reportedly made its maiden trip to the resort town of Vic Falls yesterday with 28 passengers aboard including people who were on transit to Botswana and Zambia and it reportedly left a few minutes later with 24 more passengers.
A Zimbabwean passenger who is based in South Africa said they were happy to be able to make the trip since they were stuck in neighboring South Africa for months:
It’s good to be back home. I was supposed to come in July from P.E where I am based but there was no flight. I was super-excited when I heard about this flight and had to catch the first one. However, the fear of the virus is still there and I hope we will be able to prevent it as you know that travelling is not safe.
A South African tourist who is visiting Vic Falls for the first time Eugein Euler speaking to the publication said:
It’s so wonderful to be on the first flight and to be in Victoria Falls as it is my first time to be here. I am here to celebrate my 60th birthday with my friends and we will be here until Sunday. This is a beautiful place and already we love it,
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines has been flying to Victoria Falls for a few weeks now since Zimbabwe opened its airports to international travel on 1 October. Kenya Airways has reportedly stated that it will resume flying to the resort ton on 14 December.
More: Chronicle reports