Striking airport workers temporarily ground RG International airport

A FRIDAY morning strike by air traffic controllers at Zimbabwean airports temporarily affected much of the country’s airspace before the Transport ministry intervened to persuade workers to return to work.

The early morning strike by air traffic over salary concerns in the face of skyrocketing inflation and safety concerns meant flights were unable to take off or land.

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (Caaz) confirmed the air service disruption adding that they were working flat out to address the air traffic controllers concerns.

“The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the travelling public of an operational challenge that is being experienced and has resulted in disruptions at some of our airports. Efforts are continuing to resolve the issue we shall keep the public updated,” Caaz public relations officer Anna Hungwe said.

The second strike in as many months comes amid concern over abuse of public funds by those entrusted to grow the industry’s infrastructure.

A recent report by the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development noted that the country’s airports are running on outdated and dilapidated equipment, rendering Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) unable to provide efficient and effective air navigation service.