Air Botswana lambasted for grounding delegates

Air Botswana's service failings have also reignited debate on the liberalisation of the aviation industry, a move that government committed to but is yet to facilitate. Most speakers expressed frustration after more than 100 delegates heading for the conference were stranded at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport for over five hours on Sunday after a scheduled flight and a chartered service were both delayed.

The charter service was booked by BOCCIM. Said Executive Director, Maria Machailo-Ellis, at the start of the conference that began on Monday and ends today: "We had quite a scene at the airport yesterday. We are not taking this kind of service by Air Botswana lightly. As BOCCIM, we will definitely be seeking recourse from the authorities."