Tyre burst causes flights disruption at RGM Airport

Farai Dauramanzi Herald Reporter

Services were temporarily disrupted today at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport after a RwandAir flight WB110 with 65 passengers and 8 crew members enroute to Cape Town experienced a tyre burst during the take-off run.

This led to the disruption of services on the runway from 1245 hrs to 1510 hrs, as no aircraft could land or take-off.

Some airlines that were scheduled to land at the airport reportedly had to divert their routes and ended up landing in Bulawayo at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.

In a statement, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd (ACZ) Public Relations and Communications Manager Mr Tonderai Mangombe said there were no injuries recorded as a result of this incident.

“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.

“We are pleased to report that there were no injuries recorded as a result of this incident,” he said.

Mr Mangombe said that the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members are of utmost importance to the company.

“We commend the swift response and professionalism of the RwandAir crew and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services in ensuring their (passengers) safety.

“The incident was resolved at 1510hrs, and we confirm that the runway has been cleared and normal operations have now resumed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,” said Mr Mangombe.

The company extended its gratitude to all involved parties, including the RwandAir and Air Zimbabwe team, for their cooperation and assistance in swiftly resolving the situation.

“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.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to passengers and airlines due to the temporary disruption of service. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of disrupted service,” he said.