分类： aviation

A Suriname Airlines (SLM) flight carrying over 100 passengers was compelled to divert to Guyana on Wednesday, culminating in an overnight stranding incident attributed to industrial action by air traffic controllers in Suriname. Aviation officials confirmed the aircraft, originating from Belem, Brazil with a scheduled destination of Paramaribo, ultimately departed Cheddi Jagan International Airport at approximately 8:30 AM on Thursday.

The disruption stemmed from an inability to land at Suriname’s Johan Pengel International Airport (also known as Zanderij) due to a critical ‘shortage of staff.’ Guyanese aviation sources characterized the situation variably, with one official citing a ‘staff shortage’ and another explicitly labeling it a ‘strike’ by air traffic control personnel.

Passenger welfare emerged as a significant point of contention during the ordeal. Reports from Surinamese news outlet Waterkant detailed severe deficiencies in communication and care. One stranded passenger lamented the complete absence of information, stating, ‘No information is being provided, no one is communicating.’ It was further reported that passengers, including individuals in wheelchairs and young children, received no food provisions throughout the extended delay.

Corporate responsibility for passenger care was delineated by a senior government aviation official, who emphasized that the contracted ground handling service, in this case Timehri Handling Services (THS) in Guyana, bears the responsibility for attending to stranded passengers on behalf of the airline. A representative for THS declined to comment on the situation, directing all inquiries to SLM’s corporate office and refusing to provide contact information or elaborate on welfare measures.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a critical security advisory, known as a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), urging civil aircraft operators to exercise extreme caution when navigating Venezuelan airspace. This warning, released on Friday, 21 November 2025, highlights heightened risks stemming from increased Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference and ongoing military exercises in the region, which commenced in September. Despite the advisory, several airlines continued their operations to and from Venezuela as of Saturday. U.S. operators are now mandated to provide the FAA with a 72-hour prior notice before entering Venezuelan airspace. This measure supplements an existing 2019 order that already prohibits U.S. airlines from conducting flights to or from Venezuela. The NOTAM specifically addresses the MAIQUETIA (SVZM) Flight Information Region (FIR), which encompasses Venezuelan territory and extends approximately 350 miles into the Caribbean Sea. It is important to note that FIRs are administrative divisions for air traffic control and do not align with national boundaries.

In a significant aviation safety breach, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has suspended a pilot and grounded an aircraft following an unauthorized landing near a school. The incident involved an Air Services Limited Cessna 208 Grand Caravan, registered as 8R-THR, which landed in a non-designated area on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The GCAA announced the suspension and grounding on Friday, emphasizing that these measures will remain in effect until the completion of a thorough investigation. The authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and ensuring a comprehensive examination of the incident. An industry source revealed that while the pilot is experienced, it appears he was not adequately briefed about the landing area. This incident underscores the critical importance of proper communication and adherence to safety protocols in aviation operations.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has firmly denied allegations of downgrading the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s (CJIA) rescue and fire-fighting capacity, refuting claims made in a recent report by Demerara Waves Online News. The GCAA stated that it does not disclose or discuss inspection findings with third parties, emphasizing that no official documents have been signed to indicate a downgrade from category 8 to category 5. However, Demerara Waves stands by its report, asserting that the airport’s fire-fighting capacity was indeed reduced following inspections in September 2025. The news outlet cited sources claiming that mechanical defects in firefighting appliances, such as air leaks and slow response times, led to the downgrade. Despite the controversy, the GCAA assured the public that CJIA continues to operate safely and efficiently, maintaining its commitment to aviation safety standards. Meanwhile, Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed that remedial actions have been taken, including deploying additional firefighters and addressing mechanical issues. Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond also highlighted efforts to ensure the operational readiness of the Timehri Fire Station, which supports CJIA. The conflicting reports have sparked debate over the transparency and accuracy of information regarding the airport’s safety protocols.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has downgraded the rescue and fire-fighting capacity of Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) from category eight to category five. Despite this reduction, GCAA Director-General Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field emphasized that the airport remains safe, particularly when compared to other regional airports. Field declined to disclose specific details about the downgrade, citing confidentiality protocols related to inspections. However, sources revealed that the downgrade was due to operational limitations, including inefficient fire tenders and insufficient personnel. According to GCAA standards, category five requires 8,100 liters of water to assist Level A foam, which is used to extinguish hydrocarbon fires in a 2.8 square meter area. Previously, the airport’s category eight rating allowed for 27,300 liters of water. Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed that remedial measures have been implemented, including deploying additional firefighters and addressing mechanical issues with firefighting equipment. Wickham stated that the GCAA and CJIA are now responsible for conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance.