Air Zimbabwe has officially responded to the social media reports linking them with the incident that occurred on Monday when the Warriors were on their way back home from Liberia after playing their 2019 Afcon Qualifier on Sunday.

The national team was involved in a mid-air scare when the plane they were on experienced “unexpected turbulence” in a region between the countries of Sierra Leon and Ghana. The incident was reported to have forced the plane (Air Zimbabwe) to crash land in Ghana.

However, Zifa communication manager Xolisani Gwesela rubbished rumours yesterday afternoon saying the stopover in Accra was part of the plane’s route.

In a statement posted on their website, Air Zimbabwe distanced themselves from the incident, saying they did not provide any transport service to the Warriors.

The statement reads: “Air Zimbabwe notes with great concern malicious and ill-founded articles circulating online which are aimed at tarnishing the Airline’s image. Air Zimbabwe wishes to correct the misleading articles as regards the alleged mid-air flight scare on an aircraft carrying the Zimbabwe Warriors team on their return leg from their trip to Liberia on 19 November 2018.

“…We wish to put in on record that neither did Air Zimbabwe provide air transport service from the Zimbabwe Warriors team as a commercial flight nor did we charter an aircraft for and behalf of the national team’s travel to Liberia.

“Correct and full details of the team’s travel itinerary including the Airline(s) used as well as the mid-air scare, can be obtained from relevant authorities including the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).”

Meanwhile, ZIFA are yet to give an official report on the incident.