LONDON- The seizure of an Air Zimbabwe plane in London last week over a US$1,2 million debt inconvenienced hundreds of passengers. Matters got heated at Gatwick Airport resulting in the brief arrest and detention of some four passengers.
Today Nehanda Radio.com publish a letter from the passengers addressed to the Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport and the Zimbabwean ambassador in London. All passengers signed the document which was faxed to the Air Zimbabwe General Manager in Zimbabwe and it reads;
We (Air Zimbabwe passengers) flight UM723 feel let down by our patriotism. Having paid our hard earned money in good faith in exchange for a flight back home, we find ourselves reduced to destitutes, a class no one is prepared to listen to, let alone help.
The situation is degenerating into a chronicle that is deplorable by any set of standards stretching from Monday the 12th of December 2011 to date (16 December 2011).
Whilst the voice of the airline is reporting distinction standards in handling the situation, ” As for the stranded passengers we are rerouting and refunding where possible” says Mavhunga Air Zimbabwe Acting C.E.O.
What a DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now someone out there listen to the voice of voiceless. A journey down the peaceful route has come to a HALT!!!!! The disabled, sick, pregnant, bereaved and children were given a shelter in a place that was makeshift, degrading, inhuman and humiliating.
Thanks to Gatwick airport authorities staff for making an effort. Food was handed over in a manner that reminds us of victims of Tsunamis in area located just stone’s throw away from Hilton hotel. SHAME ON YOU AIR ZIMBABWE and your mouth pieces!!!!
We deny being drawn into your administration issues. We are tired of hearing the same debt payment issue which is not taking us anywhere.
As reported in the Zimbabwe Herald lies, passengers need rerouting at Air Zimbabwe’s expense , refunds are not an option as they cannot cover tickets and expenses incurred to date. As if this is not enough of a con, Air Zimbabwe is still booking passengers evidence by another load that turned up on Thursday expecting to fly.
PLEASE HEAR OUR CRY, PROTECT THE VULNERABLE!!!
Now we say;
1. Our deadline is today Friday 16 December 2011 after which we expect rerouting or take off
2. Expenses encored due to the inconveniences should be covered
3. We want our selected representatives to be part of the process
CC; Zimbabwe Ambassador to the UK
Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport
