S. African Airline Advices Passengers to Postpone Trips

S. African airline advices passengers to postpone trips

HARARE, July 24 (Xinhua) — The South African Airways (SAA) office in Zimbabwe said on Sunday passengers booked on their flights should defer their trips until the strike by the airline workers ends, possibly on Monday.

A SAA official told local media that “We are trying everything possible to assist passengers affected by this strike.”"We are having to book passengers on other international flights, but this is causing some difficulties because of visa requirements on new routes while some flights are fully booked.”

“We are, therefore, encouraging passengers to postpone their trips until the situation returns to normal,” the official said.

The official said a solution to the problem was expected on Monday as authorities were reportedly making frantic efforts to break the impasse between SAA and employees over salaries.

“This strike has caused a lot of difficulties and discomfort to our passengers and authorities do not want the strike to stretch further. It has had very devastating effects to our business,” she said.

SAA workers downed tools last Friday after failing to reach an agreement with their employer over salaries.

Meanwhile, the official said the Zimbabwean office would remain open on Sunday to assist passengers who have been affected by the strike.