Air Zimbabwe is the national airline of Zimbabwe, wholly owned by the government of Zimbabwe. Founded in 1967 as Air Rhodesia, the carrier has undergone several name changes reflecting the country's political transitions, adopting the name Air Zimbabwe in 1980 following independence. The airline has faced significant financial and operational challenges over the decades, including periods of fleet grounding, international sanctions, and debt restructuring. At various points, its fleet was reduced to just a handful of aircraft, severely limiting its route network. Despite these difficulties, Air Zimbabwe continues to operate domestic routes within Zimbabwe and select regional international routes across southern and eastern Africa, serving as a critical link for the country's aviation connectivity.