LIAT passengers still stranded

Passengers using LIAT flight service were left stranded for a second day as pilots called in sick again.

As of Tuesday, pilots have been calling in sick as they protest the dismissal of one of their colleagues on Monday.

In a release issued yesterday via its website, LIAT stated that pilots who were scheduled for duty yesterday, had called in sick.

It added, “As a result of the industrial action, all of the company’s morning services have been disrupted and this is also likely to affect the rest of today’s flights.”

When Newsday spoke to some of the stranded passengers, they all expressed their frustration at the situation. One passenger, Susan Reviere said she was unaware of the sickout by pilots and it was only when she got to the airport yesterday morning did she realise something was amiss, as there were cancellation signs at the LIAT counters. As of 2 pm yesterday when Newsday spoke to Reviere, she said no one from LIAT had contacted or given them any update on the situation.

“The communication is atrocious. There are people who were here from since Tuesday and no one is telling us anything,” said Reviere.

She added that none of the passengers were taking the chance to leave the airport in the event a flight is ready, and no meals have been provided since.

LIAT further stated, “We wish to advise that passengers who decide to travel but are unable to complete their journey due to the disruption, will not be provided with meals, transportation and hotel accommodation.”

However, LIAT added passengers affected by the disruption who wish to re-book their flight will be allowed to do so without charge for a period of one week from the date of their original scheduled travel.

Following the one-week grace period, passengers will be required to pay the applicable fare and fees for the changes when re-booking. Passengers who are unable to travel as planned due to the industrial action, at their request, will be issued with a full credit for future travel.

LIAT has apologised for the in- convenience caused as a result of the sickout action by the pilots and has advised passengers to contact their call centre at the following toll free numbers; 1-888-844-5428 and from Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands – 1-866-549-5428.