Air Zimbabwe pilots 'face dismissal' over strike

Air Zimbabwe has warned striking pilots that they could lose their jobs unless they return to work, according to state media.

The pilots are on the third day of a pay strike which has grounded the carrier's planes.

Air Zimbabwe has begun hiring aircraft and pilots from South African private airline Quaries to cover local routes.

The pilots are being paid $1,200 a month but are demanding their full salaries of $2,500.

Air Zimbabwe chairman Jonathan Kadzura told the state-run Herald newspaper: "If they do not go back to work inside 24 hours, legal and disciplinary action will be taken."

According to the Herald newspaper the strike is costing Air Zimbabwe $500,000 dollars a day.

The airline has suffered huge losses in recent years brought about by declining passenger numbers, debt and the country's economic crisis.