According to The Namibian, Air Namibia has stopped refuelling at Katima Mulilo and Rundu opting to do so in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, amid allegations that they owe service stations at the two towns huge amounts of money.

Although Rundu Service Station owner Frikkie Engelbrecht could not say whether Air Namibia owes them money or not, he confirmed that the airline stopped refuelling with them a long time ago. “They used to fuel with us a few years ago. I am not even sure if they have settled their bill with us yet,” Engelbrecht said last week.

Southern Energy Company based at Katima Mulilo refused to give details citing client privileges of confidentiality. They, instead, referred The Namibian to Air Namibia.

Air Namibia's spokesperson Paul Nakawa could also not give details on whether the airline owes jet fuel suppliers at Rundu any money. Although Nakawa said the Rundu/Katima matter is closed on their part, he confirmed that the airline had been Southern Energy Company's client until about four years ago.

Nakawa further said as far as their account history with Southern Energy Company is concerned, they do not owe them anything.

According to Nakawa, Air Namibia is now refuelling in Victoria Falls because it is just 20 minutes from Katima Mulilo compared to Rundu that is about 45 minutes away.