In a statement published on Liat’s official website on Thursday, May 14, the airline said it has implemented strict cleaning protocols for its fleet to ensure the health and safety of passengers and staff.

“We have been working with our stakeholders to develop a plan for resuming flights when this is possible,” Liat’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie Reifer-Jones said.

Extended suspension of flights

Liat also announced that they will be extending the suspension of passenger services until May 31, as a number of borders within the region remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CEO Jones said the extension is necessary at this time since, despite many ongoing discussions, no firm date has been set by countries as to when they will be able to facilitate regional travel.

In the meantime, Liat has assured passengers who booked flights during its period of suspension that their bookings will automatically be cancelled and credited for future travel.

The regional carrier said passengers will be able to rebook their flights as soon as it announces the resumption of passenger services.

VI Airlink

Meanwhile, local airline VI Airlink said in a media release last month that all reservations affected by travel restrictions will be cancelled automatically.

VI Airlink also told passengers whose flights were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that they can make changes to their flight dates without any penalties.

Persons intending to cancel their flights will receive a full credit in the airline’s reservation system. This credit will be applied towards the purchase of a new ticket within one year from the original issue date.

Persons are asked to contact VI Airlink via email or by telephone to make their new bookings.