South African Airways has $59 million stuck in Zimbabwe

South African Airways is attempting to recover funds from its neighboring country Zimbabwe, where about $59 million is stuck in the country. Reports indicate that in May, Zimbabwe said it would be able to do a ridiculous payment plan of $1 million per quarter to cover $50 million whilst the remaining $9 million would be set aside to cover South African Airways costs in Zimbabwe, but even this has not been followed through on.

Zimbabwe has been battling a shortage of foreign currency for over a decade and its name has been constantly featured on the list of countries owing the most money to foreign airlines, with Nigeria also appearing on the list constantly. The current possible action that has been discussed to recover the funds includes the option of attaching assets in South Africa, as well as taking the problem to a diplomatic level.

South African Airways currently operates to two destinations in Zimbabwe which are Victoria Falls and Harare. Halting flights to Zimbabwe is highly unlikely as the Johanessburg – Harare route is considered one of the most lucrative routes in Southern Africa.