THERE IS some relief in sight for the more than 40 Venezuelan passengers who were stranded in Guyana following a decision by the Guyana Government, via the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), not to allow Venezuelan State-owned airline, Conviasa, to land in the country over the non-payment of bond. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who has portfolio responsibility for the transportation sector, informed the Government Information Agency (GINA) yesterday that permission has been given for a “one-off flight” to take those who were stranded back to their native country.
It was revealed previously that Conviasa owed landing and administration fees to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the GCAA. In addition, the airline has never lodged a bond for its operations in Guyana.
Minister Patterson stated that while the airline has paid the monies owed to the CJIA and GCAA, it is still to lodge the bond with the Guyana Government.
It is standard procedure that airlines operating out of Guyana would usually have to lodge a bond in case there is a need to cater for passengers affected by issues which may negatively affect their flights in and out of the country. (GINA)