By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) in Barbados was shut down on Tuesday causing cancellation of flights including flights to Trinidad.
The closure of the airport was due to a faulty runway edge lights circuit. The airport was re-opened at 6.06 am on Wednesday.
According to a statement from Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill posted on Facebook by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc at 8.49 pm, the problem began around 5.40 pm and the electrical team at the airport was currently assessing the situation.
The Civil Aviation Department had issued a NOTAM (notice to airmen) to alert the airlines and air operators of the issue and advise them of the runway closure.
The minister acknowledged that the interruption will impact both international travellers and Barbadians using the airport.
The management team at the airport is working with the airlines, Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and other stakeholders to facilitate accommodation of impacted passengers.
“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding and assure you that returning functionality to the runway edge lights circuit is our top priority,” Gooding- Eghill said.
Six incoming and six outgoing flights were impacted by the closure of the runway including four Caribbean Airlines flights.
In an update posted at 7.15 am, Gooding-Eghill updated that the outbound British Airways flight BA 2154 to London was departing at 9 am.
The inbound American Airlines flight from Miami to Barbados, which was cancelled on Tuesday, will now depart MIA on Wednesday. The corresponding AA flight to Miami will depart Barbados at 11 am.
