Caribbean Airlines, a state-owned entity, announced on Tuesday that its domestic and international operations have returned to regular schedules.
This announcement came after an unexpected halt when over 60 of its flights were canceled due to a sick out by pilots on Sunday.
The airline has now integrated recovery flights alongside their regular operations to ensure that no passenger is left behind. Charter flights have been commissioned on behalf of Caribbean Airlines to assist in this process.
To keep affected passengers informed, the airline is conducting proactive communication efforts. This includes reaching out via phone calls, emails, and SMS notifications to provide them with updated information.
Legal intervention on industrial action
Amid the chaos, the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago took action on Monday.
They granted an injunction in favor of the airline against the Trinidad and Tobago Airlines Pilots Association (TTALPA).
The order restricts TTALPA’s top brass and its representatives from engaging in or endorsing any form of industrial action, especially coordinated sick leaves, as defined by the Industrial Relations Act.
Furthermore, the Court mandated TTALPA to instruct its member employees at Caribbean Airlines to resume their rostered duties immediately, adhering to their standard work obligations.
Read more on Caribbean Airlines’ pilot sickout
Caribbean Airlines faces significant disruptions amidst pilot sickout
Air bridge issues spotlighted
Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine, voiced concerns about the airline’s operations, especially the air bridge connecting Trinidad and Tobago.
He highlighted that its functionality now is even more inconsistent than in the pre-COVID-19 era.
Augustine commented on the pilot action that left thousands stranded, expressing that THA’s consistent requests over the past year for Caribbean Airlines to stabilize their flight count have gone unaddressed.
Drawing attention to the current year, he expressed frustration that in 2023, residents still grapple with such unpredictability when booking flights to Tobago.
He further criticized the airline’s monopoly on the air bridge and emphasized the need to diversify the airline industry in the country.
He suggested opening the market to international airlines to better cater to inbound and outbound travelers.
Augustine further noted Caribbean Airlines’ obligation to prioritize the nation’s needs, pointing out the taxpayer’s role in consistently supporting the airline.
His disappointment with the airline’s service was palpable as he mentioned being treated with “scant courtesy.”
THA representation on board
In the wake of the recent disruptions, Augustine offered an apology to all affected passengers.
He also underscored the importance of THA representation on the board of directors for Caribbean Airlines, emphasizing the need for more inclusivity in decision-making.
