Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767 Completes SADC Medical Evacuation Mission

In a remarkable display of regional cooperation and humanitarian service, Air Zimbabwe has successfully completed a complex medical evacuation mission, transporting injured soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo to multiple African nations. Operating under the call sign FSK150, the airline’s Boeing 767-200 aircraft served as a shuttle ambulance, bringing hope and medical care to wounded personnel from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi.

The evacuation operation followed a carefully planned multi-leg journey, beginning in Goma, DRC, where military tensions necessitated an initial transfer to Kigali, Rwanda. From this safe transit point, the aircraft made sequential stops in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Lilongwe, and Malawi, before finally reaching its destination at Waterkloof Air Base in South Africa. The operation demonstrated exceptional medical preparedness and coordination. Before boarding the aircraft, all injured personnel received stabilization treatment at field medical facilities. Upon arrival at their respective countries’ military bases, they were immediately transferred to specialized medical facilities for further care.

Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa captured the spirit of regional cooperation, stating, “This is an operation of SADC, so any country that is willing to assist is welcome.”  This mission highlighted the strength of Southern African Development Community (SADC) partnerships in responding to humanitarian emergencies. While many injured personnel have been safely repatriated, authorities indicate that additional evacuation flights may be conducted in the coming days to bring home the remaining troops. The successful completion of this initial phase marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing regional response to the situation in the DRC.