Scores of passengers
destined to Europe have been left stranded at the Sangster
International Airport
in Montego Bay, St. James due to the
cancellation of flights to destinations there.
The cancellations have stemmed from volcanic action in Iceland which has cast large ash clouds over vast areas on the continent.
RJR News visited the Sangster International Airport Tuesday afternoon and was told that 10 flights have been cancelled since Saturday.
These include charters from Germany and Virgin Atlantic and British Airways flights out of Gatwick, London.
Travel restriction could be lifted soon
Elizabeth Scotten, Chief Commercial Officer at MBJ Airports Limited, the operators of the airport, said while some flights from destinations such as Italy have resumed operations, many have been greatly impacted.
"Most of the cancellations that we've seen have been with airlines originating out of the United Kingdom. We do understand that the status of the air space in Europe is being reviewed; however the restrictions have not been lifted though our expectation is that they will be shortly.
"We strongly encourage all passengers or anyone expecting to fly on those oversees flights to and from Europe to please contact the airline directly to find out what's the status of their flight," Ms Scotten said.
Airline industry seriously affected
In the meantime, for many of those unable to leave Jamaica, anxiety has begun to set in as many guests are facing several challenges.
"They're running out of money which is first real issue, secondly, if they have medical conditions, those conditions are being exacerbated and thirdly, home is home. It's a situation which none of us can help," said Wayne Cummings, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association.
He added that in terms of inbound flights which have been cancelled, they are working with tour operators to ensure that things fall back into place without negatively impacting local hotels.
Mr. Cummings said he is particularly worried about the airline industry which has just endured a challenging year.
According to him, if the situation continues as is for much longer there could be major challenges in terms of their viability.
The cancellations have stemmed from volcanic action in Iceland which has cast large ash clouds over vast areas on the continent.
RJR News visited the Sangster International Airport Tuesday afternoon and was told that 10 flights have been cancelled since Saturday.
These include charters from Germany and Virgin Atlantic and British Airways flights out of Gatwick, London.
Travel restriction could be lifted soon
Elizabeth Scotten, Chief Commercial Officer at MBJ Airports Limited, the operators of the airport, said while some flights from destinations such as Italy have resumed operations, many have been greatly impacted.
"Most of the cancellations that we've seen have been with airlines originating out of the United Kingdom. We do understand that the status of the air space in Europe is being reviewed; however the restrictions have not been lifted though our expectation is that they will be shortly.
"We strongly encourage all passengers or anyone expecting to fly on those oversees flights to and from Europe to please contact the airline directly to find out what's the status of their flight," Ms Scotten said.
Airline industry seriously affected
In the meantime, for many of those unable to leave Jamaica, anxiety has begun to set in as many guests are facing several challenges.
"They're running out of money which is first real issue, secondly, if they have medical conditions, those conditions are being exacerbated and thirdly, home is home. It's a situation which none of us can help," said Wayne Cummings, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association.
He added that in terms of inbound flights which have been cancelled, they are working with tour operators to ensure that things fall back into place without negatively impacting local hotels.
Mr. Cummings said he is particularly worried about the airline industry which has just endured a challenging year.
According to him, if the situation continues as is for much longer there could be major challenges in terms of their viability.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
