Caribbean leaders are once again reawakening to the value of regional airline LIAT amid complaints about the service provided by InterCaribbean Airways.
A week ago, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minster Ralph Gonsalves criticised InterCaribbean Airways for its service, stating that he was awaiting proposals for a new LIAT.
He said that the Turks and Caicos based airline, which has been expanding its network across the Caribbean islands since LIAT’s demise, has been unreliable and inefficient.
He cited examples of long flight delays, poor communication, and inadequate customer service, which have caused inconvenience and frustration to travellers.
Previously, government officials in Guyana, especially Aviation Minister Juan Edghill, also complained about the airline.
Edghill said that senior government officials, as well as representatives of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, met with the representatives of the airline to address the issue, warning that they could face sanctions if its flights delays issues were not sufficiently alleviated.
He said that the airline has been violating the terms of its licence and failing to meet the expectations of the Guyanese public.
He also expressed concern about the impact of the airline’s performance on Guyana’s tourism sector and international reputation.
This follows months of irritated Caribbean customers who complain of long flight delays, leading to frequent missing of international connecting flights, which has forced many to purchase new tickets for flights.
Many have taken to social media to vent their anger and disappointment with InterCaribbean Airways, and to demand refunds or compensation.
Some have also called for the return of LIAT, which they said was more reliable and convenient than InterCaribbean Airways.
The resuscitation of LIAT had been a long-held push of the Antiguan and Barbudan government, who has long dealt with a lack of support by its former regional shareholding partner over financing LIAT 2020.
The Antiguan and Barbudan government has been working to restructure and relaunch LIAT as a leaner and more efficient airline, with a reduced fleet and staff.
However, the matter of severance payments to former LIAT workers who were dismissed during the demise of LIAT 1974 continues to be a sticking point among regional trade unions.
The unions have been demanding that the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines, which were the main shareholders of LIAT 1974, honour their obligations and pay the workers what they are owed.
LIAT (I974) Limited entered into administration in July 2020 following increased debt and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The airline had been struggling for years to stay afloat amid rising operational costs, low passenger demand, and competition from other airlines.