BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AMIDST the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region and border closures, LIAT has suspended all commercial flights but would continue parcel and other operations.
In a media advisory, the cash-strapped airline said that due to updated impact of COVID-19 as well as the border closures and travel restrictions across the LIAT network, the airline would suspend ALL passenger services from April 4 for a period of 14 days in the first instance.
All states that the airline service have shut its borders to commercial flights as a means to prevent new cases from entering their jurisdiction, have prompted the airline to review the initial suspension to see if any changes will be made after the first 14 days.
“All passengers booked during the period of suspension will automatically have their bookings automatically cancelled,” the airline noted.
In a media statement, the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Julie Reifer-Jones, pointed to the imposition of travel bans and border closures for the reasoning behind the halting of regional travel..
“We tried to maintain a limited schedule; however, the present conditions make this impossible,” she stated.
Mrs. Reifer-Jones acknowledged that this was an extremely challenging time for the airline, its employees and other stakeholders.
She disclosed that the airline had implemented several other measures including temporary layoffs and reduced working hours.
The airline said that passengers booked during the period of suspension would automatically have their bookings cancelled and would receive full credit.
Passengers will be able to re-book as soon as the airline resumes passenger services.
Meanwhile, the airline stated that its Board of Directors is in direct communication with regional governments to secure a support package that would see the company maintains a limited schedule when the situation allows.
