Eleven Flights Aborted by TACV, Air Zimbabwe and Airlink; Passengers Stranded

Eleven flights by TACV, Air Zimbabwe, and Airlink were aborted across Cape Verde, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, stranding passengers at major airports as airlines cited operational disruptions (image source)

Eleven flights operated by TACV, Air Zimbabwe, and South African Airlink were aborted across Cape Verde, Botswana, and South Africa this week, leaving passengers stranded at major airports including Praia, OR Tambo, Harare International, and Maun, according to airline notices and flight-tracking reports.

TACV accounted for the bulk of the disruption with eight cancellations and two delays across its Cape Verde–Johannesburg network, carrier statements confirmed. Air Zimbabwe reported two cancellations on regional routes linking Harare to key hubs. Airlink registered one cancellation but faced a substantial number of delays affecting connections into Johannesburg and other regional points, industry trackers indicated.

Passengers traveling routes such as Praia to OR Tambo and Harare to Maun faced abrupt cancellations and long waits as airlines cited operational constraints. These included aircraft availability, crew rostering, and knock-on network effects that magnified delays across schedules. Airlines urged affected travellers to contact their customer-service teams for rebooking and compensation options.

“Passengers should reach out to their airlines directly to inquire about their specific flight’s status,” airline advisories stated. Standard remedies include rebooking on the next available service, meal or hotel vouchers when overnight stays are required, and refunds if suitable alternatives are unavailable.

Airport authorities and carriers advised travellers to monitor official channels for real-time updates and to check eligibility for compensation or insurance claims. International passengers faced added challenges with visa requirements and missed onward connections.

The disruptions underscored vulnerabilities in regional air connectivity, where tightly scheduled networks can be severely impacted by even minor operational shocks. Aviation analysts noted that smaller fleets, such as those operated by TACV and Air Zimbabwe, are particularly exposed to technical faults or staffing shortages that cascade into multiple cancellations.

At affected airports, ground staff expanded assistance operations, though travellers reported long queues at rebooking counters and customer-service desks. Consumer groups urged airlines to improve communication during disruptions, emphasizing that timely updates can ease passenger anxiety and limit secondary costs. Travel insurance brokers reminded customers that many policies cover cancellations and delays, but advised retaining receipts and filing claims promptly. Business travellers and cargo operators also warned of potential economic costs, including delayed shipments and missed commercial meetings.

Airlines said they are working to restore normal schedules and assist stranded passengers. Affected travellers were urged to retain travel documents and verify insurance coverage for possible reimbursement.