The strike by Air Zimbabwe pilots has reportedly cost the airline $600 000 in lost revenue since it started six days ago.
Air Zimbabwe board chairperson Jonathan Kadzura told NewsDay yesterday the industrial action was costing the airline $100 000 a day, although sources put the figure at $130 000 per day.
Last September, the pilots embarked on a similar strike demanding payment of their outstanding salaries, resulting in the airline losing a whopping $3,5 million.
“It’s an unfortunate incident. The strike affects a lot of people and there is nothing much that can be done when the pilots are not working,” said Kadzura. Sources said the industrial action had left several passengers stranded with at least 160 said to be booked in Chinese hotels while others are in London and Johannesburg.
Kadzura last night said they were still negotiating with the pilots to call off the strike and resume normal duties.
In March, the pilots went on a two-month-long strike which nearly bled the airline to death.
