According to a release from the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), the airline also operating as OCL Barbados, arrived at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on August 4, 2020, without the necessary requirements.

Permit suspended indefinitely

“As a result of the occurrence, the Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) was suspended; which essentially means that the airline will not be allowed into the Territory during the period of suspension,” Managing Director of the BVIAA Mr Clive Smith said.

As part of entry requirements, Government’s protocols require all airlines to provide 24 hours notice of all the passengers on board the aircraft approved to arrive in the territory.

All passengers must also be in possession of a valid travel certificate issued by the Ministry of Health confirming that they are safe to enter to BVI as the first line of defence in the fight against the reintroduction and spread of COVID-19 in the Territory.

“Any violation of the Government or the Authority’s protocols will not be taken lightly, as the wellbeing of our residents and citizens, our internal economy and the successful rebound of our economy post-COVID-19 is reliant on our ability to keep the BVI COVID-19 free,” Mr Smith noted.

Persons told to make alternative travel plans

BVIAA said while it understands that the suspension of the service has caused some inconvenience for persons who had travel plans, they encouraged those individuals to reach out to the airline for updates on alternative arrangements.

No information was released on when the suspension will lift, however, the BVIAA has urged all other airlines operating in the territory to adhere to required protocols and guidelines put in place by the Government and the Authority.