Air Zimbabwe strikes hits tourism sector, pilots risk losing flying licences

The tourism sector has been hard hit by challenges facing Air Zimbabwe amid concerns that it may not register the projected 6% growth due to a drastic decline in tourist arrivals to key resort areas, particularly Victoria Falls.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Air Zimbabwe pilots, who have been on a month long strike, are in a fix as it emerged their flying licences could be revoked if they continue with their industrial action.

The grounding of Air Zimbabwe planes recently, due to protracted labour disputes, has resulted in massive cancellation of bookings by tourists who had planned to visit Victoria Falls. Tourism players estimate that at least 80% of bookings have been cancelled so far since the Airzim pilots went on strike in July.

With no solution in sight, they said, the situation would destroy the growing positive perception about Zimbabwe's tourism among international visitors.

Last week the pilots resolved to resume work to save their careers as there are rules governing pilots regarding flying failure of which if they do not fly for a certain period they will have their licences revoked and they have to be retested