BULAWAYO – A Fastjet flight from Harare to Bulawayo was forced to abort landing at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport on Wednesday following a power outage, the airline confirmed.
The airport’s back-up generator was not working and landing was considered unsafe.
Among the passengers was Information Technology Minister Jenfan Muswere, who had been expected to officiate at an event in the city.
In a statement to ZimLive, Fastjet spokesman Nunurai Ndawana said: “Fastjet Zimbabwe confirms that their flight FN8441 from Harare to Bulaway, was unable to continue to Bulawayo’s JM Nkomo International Airport due to the airport authority advising the crew that there was no power at the airport.
“With no power available, this could affect the landing and navigation aids typically used by crew when approaching and landing the airport.
“As the safety and comfort of our passengers and crew is our top priority, the flight crew opted to return to Harare, where customers disembarked and remained at the terminal until power was restored at Bulawayo.
“The flight operated a few hours later on, with all customers reaching their final intended destination.”
The airline operates an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft on the route.
National carrier Air Zimbabwe had no flight into Bulawayo on Wednesday. The flight was cancelled a day earlier due to low passenger numbers, ZimLive understands.
Zimbabweans are experiencing severe power cuts sometimes lasting five hours. Power utility ZESA blames low generation at Kariba and constant breakdowns at Hwange.
