Imagine boarding a flight only to realize you’re the only passenger on the plane.
Sounds unusual, right? That’s exactly what a video going viral online claims happened on an Air Zimbabwe flight from Harare to Johannesburg.
The Viral Video That Got Everyone Talking
The video was shared by a user named Mlandeli Ndlela on X (formerly Twitter), who says they decided to give Air Zimbabwe a try — only to find themselves completely alone on the flight.
The short clip quickly grabbed attention and sparked quite a debate.
Some people took it as a bit of a joke, while others saw it as a symbol of the challenges facing the airline, especially when it comes to passenger numbers and overall viability.
What’s the Real Story Behind the Lone Passenger?
We reached out to Air Zimbabwe to get their side of the story.
Is it true that this flight flew with only one passenger? If so, why would the airline operate such a flight? Could there be operational or logistical reasons that make it necessary? And how often do flights on this busy Harare to Johannesburg route fly with so few passengers?
Air Zimbabwe has been trying to bounce back from years of financial and operational struggles, so stories like this, whether fact or fiction, tend to shine a spotlight on the broader issues affecting national airlines in the region.
We’re keeping an eye out and will update as soon as the airline responds.
What People Are Saying Online
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the video. Some were skeptical:
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“How is this not a lie?” asked one user.
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Another shared, “I once flew Harare to Heathrow on British Airways and there were only four passengers — it felt really weird.”
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Others questioned why Air Zimbabwe’s fares are so high, comparing it to public transport and suggesting that cheaper prices might fill the planes more.
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Some wondered if the video was even showing a plane still on the ground, maybe with the last passenger disembarking.
Could You Be the Only Passenger on a Plane?
Is it really possible for a commercial flight to take off with just one passenger?
It sounds strange, but there could be many reasons why airlines sometimes operate flights with very low numbers — from regulatory requirements to scheduling, or even cargo transport needs.