…cites COVID-19 precautions 

American carrier JetBlue Airways has pushed back the launch of its service between New York and Guyana, to the last quarter of 2020.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson made the disclosure during a COVID-19 National Update programme on NCN News.

Originally set for April 2, 2020, JetBlue’s service along the route was expected to take-off aboard its newly sourced A321neo aircraft between the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and  JFK, New York.The service is expected to get underway in October, 2020 DPI clarified.

On Tuesday, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, (Ret’d) Lt. Col. Egbert Field confirmed both of the country’s major airports – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport- will be closed to international flights as of midnight on March 18, 2020.

This measure was taken to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Both airports will permit outgoing, cargo and medivac flights, in addition to technical stops by aircraft that rely on fuel services. Special authorised flights will also be given the green light.

While local flights within the country to the various Administrative Regions will continue, the Public Infrastructure Minister said passengers should adhere to the health guidelines provided by the Ministry of Public Health to be protected from the virus.

As of Tuesday, March 17, Guyana has five confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections. President David Granger has issued several measures to be implemented by the Ministry of Public Health and other authorities to protect Guyanese from the pandemic.

These measures are in accordance with the provisions of the Public Health Ordinance Act (Cap. 145) and the country’s Constitution.