Limitation of Liability of State Airlines in Zimbabwe

The history of aviation, and particularly carriage by air in Zimbabwe is well documented. The Carriage by Air Act [Chapter 13:04] is the principal legislation in Zimbabwe governing carriage by air. It also incorporates the Warsaw Convention into our law.

The Warsaw Convention is applicable only to international carriage, that is international flights, and does not cover domestic flights within Zimbabwe. This position is distinct from that which applies in Lesotho and Kenya for instance.

The Limitation of Liability (Passengers in State Aircraft) Act [Chapter 8:08] is an enactment which limits the liability of the State in respect of the loss of life, or bodily injury of passengers carried in aircraft in the service of the State and the deduction or loss of or damage to their luggage and personal effects.

What is a State Aircraft?

The Limitation of Liability (Passengers in State Aircraft) Act [Chapter 8:08] defines a state aircraft as, any aircraft which belongs to the State, or is let out on hire to the State, with or without a pilot or a crew. A state aircraft has also been defined as an aircraft which belongs to the Air Force of Zimbabwe.