LIAT pilots on sick out, passengers stranded

LIAT today said that all pilots who were scheduled to work this morning have called in sick.

It followed the airline’s sacking of Captain Michael Blackburn with immediate effect on Monday over a flying related matter. Blackburn, is also the Chairman  of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA).

LIAT in a statement on its website said “As a result of the industrial action, all of the company’s morning services have been disrupted. This is also likely to affect the rest of today’s flights.

“Customers affected by the disruptions who wish to rebook 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 applicable fare and change fees when re-booking. Passengers who are unable to travel as planned due to the industrial action, at their request, will be issued a full credit for future travel. Terms and conditions apply.

“When services resume, affected passengers are advised to contact LIAT Reservations to rebook before proceeding to the airport.

“LIAT also wishes 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, hotel accommodation etc. Passengers with onward connections are advised to contact their respective carriers.

“For further information passengers are advised to contact: – from Antigua – 1-268-480-5582; toll free from the rest of the Caribbean – 1-888-844-5428 and from Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands – 1-866-549-5428.

“LIAT sincerely apologizes to affected passengers and the general public for any inconvenience caused as a result of the action by its pilots.”