Key points
-
Air Zimbabwe sued for $210,000 in DRC debt case.
-
Jetex says it paid crew, hotel, and plane costs.
-
The airline failed to repay despite repeated promises.
Air Zimbabwe is facing a lawsuit from Jetex (Private) Limited, which says the airline owes $210,000. The money was used to help Air Zimbabwe’s crew and aircraft when they were stuck in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, in May this year.
The airline’s Boeing 767-200ER and 14 crew members were grounded for 17 days after landing during fighting between DRC forces and M23 rebels. Jetex says it paid for food, hotel bills, crew allowances, and plane fees after Air Zimbabwe asked for help.
Jetex says Air Zimbabwe promised to repay once the plane returned home, but that never happened.
Loans also covered training and fuel costs
Court papers show Jetex covered $83,300 in food and hotel costs, $47,600 in crew allowances, and $34,000 in logistics and handling fees. The company also paid $11,700 for parking fees in Goma.
Jetex says this was not the only time it helped the airline. In May 2024, it advanced $11,000 for pilot training in Brussels and later $22,400 for aircraft fuel. These amounts also remain unpaid, bringing the total debt to $210,000.
Court action puts pressure on struggling airline
Jetex has asked the High Court to order Air Zimbabwe to repay the money with interest. It also wants the airline to pay legal costs.
The lawsuit adds more pressure on Air Zimbabwe, which has battled financial problems for years. The case shows how the national carrier continues to rely on outside help but struggles to pay back its debts.
