PASSENGERS accused Air Zimbabwe of abandoning them as they were forced to spend Tuesday night stranded at Gatwick airport while the airline scrambled to raise cash for the release of its impounded long-haul aircraft.
The airline’s Boeing 767-200 was impounded on landing at Gatwick Airport on Monday after American General Supplies got a court order for US$1.2 million owed for aircraft spares
Acting chief executive, Innocent Mavhunga told the state-run Herald newspaper that stranded passengers had either been rerouted or refunded and in some cases put in hotels.
But those stranded in London said the airline had refused to refund their tickets claiming it didn’t have the funds and only paid for a day’s accommodation at a local hotel.
Most said there was no warning from Air Zimbabwe and they had been shocked when advised by airport staff that the flight had been cancelled well after checking-in their luggage.
The airline’s manager for Europe and the America’s, David Mwenga hurriedly arranged overnight accommodation at a London hotel insisting the mishap would be resolved and they would be able to fly home on Tuesday.
However, come Tuesday, Mwenga was ready with another letter of apology, but this time no offer of accommodation. He told the passengers to return home and wait to be advised regarding further developments but they refused to budge demanding refunds for their tickets.
Police had to intervene as the situation threatened to get out of hand.
“I phoned Mwenga before leaving home for Gatwick and he assured me the flight was on,” one passenger told NewZimbabwe.com.
“We understand it’s not his fault but he should be up-front with us. He must have known there was trouble but still told people to come to Gatwick and even checked-in our luggage.
“However, we are not going anywhere. We will stay at the airport until they either secure the release of the aircraft and we proceed with our flight or they give us back our money get.”
Another passenger said airline officials were nowhere to be seen on Tuesday and Gatwick had intervened, helping with camp beds and blankets.
“Of course the ‘bed’ brings back memories of boarding school horrors, but so what?” she said.
“But my heart goes out the mother with two restless children, the three wheel chair-bound ladies and the elderly grandparents decked out in their Sunday suits and hats!”
And as it became clear they would be spending the night at Gatwick, a pastor said prayers in hope and part of the group broke into song, asking for divine intervention. They may well need it.
“We are really grateful to airport staff,” one passenger who only identified herself as Ms Grooves said.
“While Air Zimbabwe staff basically abandoned us, airport officials have organised food, bedding and blankets with one returning in the evening to make sure we are all right well after he had finished his shift.”
Menwhile, Mavhunga said “progress” had been made in securing the funds to pay off the debt but would not say when he expected the plane to be released.
"We are still mobilising the resources and we have made significant progress though I am not at liberty to divulge what we have,” he said.
Apology ... Airline advises of yet another cancellation