Air Zimbabwe, the country's state-run airline, has decided to cancel all flights to London amid fears that aircraft will be seized to cover outstanding debts.
The Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation has won a court order enabling it to take possession of Air Zimbabwe's planes due to its failure to settle a £1.5 million debt. The airline's board chairman Mike Bhima has argued that the company was left with very little choice.
"As a security measure, our lawyers have advised us to suspend flights pending discussions," he said.
There are indications, however, that the disruption could come to an end by the middle of the week, with spokesperson David Mwenga insisting that the airline has now settled the debt.
The financial dispute follows last month's announcement by Air Zimbabwe that fares would increase by 500 per cent, which was blamed at the time on the rising costs of fuel and equipment.
Zimbabwe is now in its eighth consecutive year of recession and currently has the world's highest inflation rate.
In October, Mwenga reported that the airline was hoping to offer more flights to London and to destinations around the world in a bid to draw more visitors to boost the country's tourist industry.
© Adfero Ltd
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