St. John’s Antigua- Government officials in Grenada say they hoping to convene talks with the regional carrier LIAT over its decision to cut four flights from the island’s itinerary.
The company announced plans on Friday to cut back on its services to Grenada. Effective October 2, LIAT will fly to the Spice Isle only three times a week, instead of six flights. The changes will mostly affect the Trinidad and Barbados routes.
LIAT blames a drop in the demand for seats in that market as the reason for the cuts.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism in Grenada, Sharon McPhail who was taken aback by the decision that was done without any consultation. McPhail said ministry officials will be dialoguing with management of the Antigua-based carrier on the way forward.
“I have been in touch with the local manager of LIAT in Grenada, and I have also contacted an official in Antigua to express our concerns which he promised will be expressed to the CEO of the company,” the permanent secretary said.
McPhail said the major concern at this time is the Barbados-Grenada route which will be left without services; as for the Trinidad route, this is being serviced by another carrier.
“Our major concern is the Barbados flight, with the current flight what it means is that the visitor to Grenada cannot travel to Grenada from Barbados during the day but must remain there to get an evening flight,” McPhail added.
The four flights to be cut from the itinerary are LI771 Barbados to Grenada to Trinidad; LI 727; LI 726 Trinidad to Grenada to St Vincent to Barbados; and LI 338.
The three daily flights are LI 758, LI 772 and LI 787.
Meanwhile, Senator Chester Humphrey of the Technical and Allied Workers Union has warned that LIAT’s decision may lead to further redundancies in the company.
He, too, is hoping for an immediate meeting with the cash-strapped airline.
“A letter was sent and we are awaiting a response. This calls for an urgent meeting, and urgent in our view means a meeting called within 48 or so hours, and we are available to meet on weekends if necessary,” Senator Humphrey said.
