Several Antiguans and Barbudans who were left stranded in Punta Cana following the cancellation of their scheduled LIAT return flight are safely back home after a swift intervention by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, aviation officials and LIAT management resulted in a special overnight rescue flight.

The passengers had travelled to the Dominican Republic for vacation and were due to return to Antigua on Sunday aboard LIAT’s weekly Punta Cana service. However, many had already checked out of their hotels and were on their way to the airport when they were informed that the flight had been cancelled.

With LIAT operating only one scheduled flight each week on the Punta Cana route, passengers were initially told they could face several days of uncertainty before another flight became available.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Prime Minister Browne reportedly became personally involved, working alongside aviation authorities and LIAT executives to secure an immediate solution.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

LIAT management remained in direct communication with the stranded passengers throughout the ordeal, providing updates as efforts continued behind the scenes to arrange their return. The airline also apologized to the affected passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by the cancellation.

Following a series of rapid logistical arrangements, LIAT was able to organize a special recovery flight to return the passengers to Antigua.

The operation required close coordination across several agencies, including officials at V.C. Bird International Airport, where ongoing runway rehabilitation works were temporarily suspended to facilitate the aircraft’s late-night arrival.

The flight landed safely in Antigua during the early hours of Monday morning, bringing an end to what had become an anxious and uncertain experience for the travellers.

The successful operation has been hailed as a demonstration of effective collaboration between the Government, LIAT management, airport authorities and the wider aviation sector.

For the returning passengers, the special flight not only spared them the financial burden of additional hotel accommodations and other unexpected expenses but also ensured they were reunited with their families without a prolonged delay.

The overnight rescue mission highlights the impact of decisive leadership and coordinated action, with Prime Minister Browne, LIAT management, airport personnel and aviation stakeholders working together to ensure that the stranded passengers were safely brought home.