Staff shortage forces BVI to close airports

Airports across the British Virgin Islands resumed normal operations today Saturday, after their service was disrupted on Friday because of a shortage of workers at the Air Control Towers.

Resumption of operations started as 7 o’clock this morning, an update from the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) said.

The BVIAA Board of Directors Chairman Theodore Burke apologized for the inconvenience caused to the travelers in the statement, saying that an investigation will be launched into what exactly happened.

Plans are also underway to recruit new workers in an effort to improve manpower at the Air Traffic Control Unit

Minister of Communications and Works, Kye Rymer, said the ministry is committed to working with BVIAA to ensure smooth operations at the territory’s airports continue.

“While I recognize the many challenges faced today, I am pleased to report that there was no industrial action taken by the staff at our Air Traffic Control Tower and the issues faced were as a result of the Authority’s inability to satisfy a regulatory requirement with regards to staffing levels. Issues that they have been addressing at all levels on an ongoing basis to ensure a permanent solution,” he said

Adding, “We are indeed blessed with a team of Air Traffic Controllers that are dedicated, passionate, and fully committed to their careers and the stability and growth of the VI’s economy.”