LIAT Suspends Carib Aviation Flights

LIAT, one of the larger regional carriers operating in the Caribbean, has suspended its agreement with Carib Aviation after a recent grounding of a Carib Aviation flight by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).

“On Friday 11 July, 2008 LIAT 1974 Ltd. temporarily suspended its commercial arrangements with Carib Aviation. As a consequence, services operated on behalf of LIAT or operated by Carib as ‘code-share’ services with LIAT to Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts/Nevis, Montserrat and St. Vincent may be affected,” a press release from the company stated.

If you’re traveling to the Caribbean any time soon, double check your flights to be sure you’ll be able to get to your destination. The two airlines plan to meet Friday to work out the issue, according to the Antigua Sun.

According to LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Darby, the decision made by his company has had an impact on his airline. It has caused delays, a need to re-accommodate passengers to other flights and even the need for extra flights to be instated. Despite this, LIAT is standing by its decision because it has to be mindful of the safety standards established by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).

Until things are worked out, passengers booked on LIAT’s services LI131 and LI132 will be re-booked other LIAT flights. Those passengers booked on flights numbered between LI 100 and LI 199 (except LI 131/132) will be carried on services operated by Carib. They just won’t be codeshare flights, if that makes any sense.

As of now, LIAT will not sell seats on Carib flights. Check back after Friday for updated news.