Passengers left stranded as Guyana puts hold on operations of Venezuelan flag carrier
But the decision of the Guyana government may also be linked to the recent decree issued by the Venezuelan President, claiming Guyana's oil rich territorial waters. The Government of Guyana has made known its strong objections to the latest claim by the Venezuelan government.
Over 40 Venezuelan passengers have been left stranded in Guyana following a decision by the Guyana government not to allow Venezuelan state-owned airline, Conviasa Airlines to land in the country over the non-payment of its bond.
But the decision of the Guyana government may also be linked to the recent decree issued by the Venezuelan President, claiming Guyana’s oil rich territorial waters.
The Government of Guyana has made known its strong objections to the latest claim by the Venezuelan government.
At the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the stranded passengers were forced to sleep in the departure lounge as they faced uncertainties about leaving the country. Conviasa Airlines is the only carrier offering direct service between Guyana and Venezuela.
The passengers were scheduled to leave on Saturday but were told that their flight had been cancelled until further notice. Conviasa does not have a Guyana office and the ground handling agent has distanced itself from any responsibility for accommodating the passengers for the airline.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who holds responsibility for the transportation sector, explained to News Source early Sunday morning that Conviasa owed landing and administration fees to the Cheddi Jagan Airport and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. He disclosed also that the airline had never lodged a bond for its operations in Guyana.
Minister Patterson said while the airline has since paid the monies owed to the Cheddi Jagan Airport and Civil Aviation, it is yet to lodge the bond with the Guyana government. Airlines operating out of Guyana would usually have to lodge a bond in case there are circumstances that might lead to passengers needing to be taken care of.
News Source understands that once the bond is lodged, the airline will most likely be allowed to restart its operations.
Conviasa began its weekly flights between Guyana and Venezuela back in 2013.
