Update: It’s hugely offensive’: Zimbabweans react to ‘Rhodesia’ airline ticket….. Check In

An airline ticket referring to Zimbabwe as using its colonial name – Rhodesia – has sparked outrage and debate online.

The airline ticket was believed to have been issued by United Airlines. However, The South African contacted United Airlines for comment, and their media relations office clarified: “The ticket appears to have been issued by Ethiopian Airlines [ticket number begins with 071].”

The South African also contacted Ethiopian Airlines, asking whether they had issued the contentious airline. Their response will be added once received.

The backlash arose after a Zimbabwean passenger noticed the outdated reference on their ticket, reigniting debates on colonialism, national identity and Zimbabwe’s current socio-economic state.

There were many netizens, however, who found the mistake mildly amusing, joking that even in 2025, an international airline still refers to Zimbabwe by its colonial-era name.

“Imagine booking a flight in this era and discovering that, according to United Airlines, you are from a country that ceased to exist in 1980!” @mlobiwazo wrote, adding laughing emojis.

Others saw it as a reflection of how some Western institutions have been slow in updating their systems. “How does this even happen? Has United Airlines not updated their database since Ian Smith’s time?” @amazingkid asked sarcastically.