LIAT facing widespread disruption – Tortola affected

The operation of regional carrier LIAT has been hit by widespread flight delays and cancellations, resulting from another round of industrial action.

The disruption has affected flights to and from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, as well as other Caribbean islands.

Those disrupted flights include LI300 from Barbados to Tortola, as well as LI301 from Tortola to Barbados.

LIAT said pilots, who are being represented by the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA), have refused to fly the ATR aircraft.

“In the ongoing negotiations for higher wages, which includes the operation of the ATR aircraft, the pilots have taken action to refuse to fly the ATR 72 aircraft until an agreement is reached.”

“As a consequence of this action, we have not been able to operate flights scheduled with ATR 72 aircraft at this time. These actions have already resulted in a number of delays to our services and cancellations,” added LIAT.

Its Chief Executive Officer Julie Reifer-Jones said: “LIAT apologises for these disruptions to our passengers and their plans, and wishes to reiterate its commitment to work with LIALPA to resolve any issues.”