COVID surge causes local Airport delays too

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, January 15, 2022 – COVID-19 cases continue to frustrate the local travel industry; the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) announced a second weekend for delayed flights in a statement on Saturday January 8.

At least nine flights were delayed; one from Canada was cancelled, with flight operations extended into the wee hours of the morning at the Providenciales International Airports, PLS.

The Airports Authority estimated the extension to flight operations should help clear the backup in commercial and private flights. The air traffic control tower has also been hit with staff shortages due to an extreme surge in COVID positives for the British overseas territory.

Travellers trying to meet TCI Assured portal timelines with PCR test results were described as scrambling to be re-tested, but that may not be necessary according to CherylAnn Jones, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism.

She said there is a standard protocol related to the treatment of cancelled or rescheduled flights, where TCI assured the passenger’s ability to travel or arrive in the islands.

“The certificate normally expires at midnight, and so if the flight is rescheduled or cancelled and it means that the person is coming at another time, it’s not automatic that they will just be able to get a new flight with this new TCI Assured Certificate.”

She added that during cases of confusion, including the unexpected delays of last weekend, the airlines would alert the government. In those instances, the Ministry of Health has the legal leeway to grant exceptions for passengers to land and enter the islands.

Mrs. Jones said the airlines are aware of these protocols.

The TCIAA advised travellers to contact their airline.