MIDWEEK REPORTER
HARARE- Business briefly came to a standstill on Monday at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport runway after Rwandair plane burst a tyre during take-off run.
The Cape Town bound Rwandair that had 65 passengers and eight crew members burst a tyre during take-off run at the RGM International Airport resulting in disruption of runway service.
Airports Company of Zimbabwe public relations and communications manager, Tonderai Mangombe confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.
“On 18 December 2023, RwandAir flight (WB110) with 65 passengers and 8 crew members enroute to Cape Town experienced a tyre burst during take-off run at 1245hrs resulting in a temporary disruption of service on the runway,” reads the statement.
Mangombe said there were no injuries recorded and he commended Rwandair crew, airport rescue and fire fighting team for their swift response to the mishap.
“We are pleased to report that there were no injuries recorded as a result of this
incident. The safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members are of utmost importance to us, and we commend the swift response and professionalism of the RwandAir crew and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services in ensuring their safety.”
Normal flight services on the runaway were restored after more than three hours.
Mangombe gave the RGM International Airport runway a clean bill of health that meets international standards.
“ACZ would like to reaffirm to the public that the R. G. Mugabe International Airport has a state-of-the-art newly rehabilitated runway that meets all international safety standards and requirements. Safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to optimising the customer’s travel experience.”
