On October 22, air traffic control operations at Zanderij Airport were temporarily halted after multiple controllers simultaneously reported being ill. This unexpected situation left the control tower unmanned, forcing a KLM aircraft to divert to Cayenne, French Guiana, after circling the area multiple times. Additionally, a regional SLM flight experienced significant delays. According to reports from Starnieuws, the government held urgent discussions with the air traffic controllers’ union, SATCA, which has been pushing for the implementation of a previously submitted package of demands. Both parties have agreed on a plan to address these issues. In a swift response, replacement controllers were transported to Zanderij via helicopter, though this occurred only after the KLM flight had already diverted. The situation has since returned to normal, with the ‘sick’ controllers resuming their duties in the tower.
KLM-vlucht wijkt uit naar Cayenne; ‘zieke’ luchtverkeersleiders weer in de toren
