Montserrat’s Access Woes Linger on as WINAIR Announces Flight Cancellations
Montserrat Access Group-2022 (MACG) is reporting that MACG/WINAIR charter flights between Montserrat and Antigua have been canceled effective Monday December 19th, 2022.
In an email received by MACG Monday from WINAIR Chief Pilot Captain Michael Awai II, WINAIR notified MACG, that, "WINAIR has been instructed to comply with and adhere to Performance TYPE A rules as set out by Air Safety Support International (ASSI) when operating into and out of the John A. Osborne airport".
Notice was received by WINAIR, in a letter emailed on December 13th, 2022 at 1:45pm. MACG was informed immediately of this newly imposed restriction.
President of MACG, Desmond Meade says, MACG along with the St. Maarten Civil Aviation authority, ASSI and the Government of Montserrat, will remain in continued negotiations through this holiday season to restore normal flight operations into the John A. Osborne airport by WINAIR.
Meade appeared on ZJB Monday afternoon to give the traveling public an update on the turn of events that led to the flights suspension and subsequent cancellation.
Meade says MACG regrettably, therefore, notifies all passengers booked for the December 21/22 charter, that this flight and any further charter flights are canceled until further notice.
He however said that arrangements have been made with both FlyMontserrat and SVG Air to airlift passengers.
Meade says MACG has already contacted the flight service operators for flight seat availability and schedule.
He confirms that negotiations are continuing aimed at resolving the matter amicably.
Meade further states that passengers who have paid for their charter tickets will be granted a refund but notes that banking finance charges are not refunded, or rebooked as appropriate on other scheduled operators into Montserrat.
He says he could be contacted at 954-805-5663, or email macgcharters@gmail.com for refunds or next flight bookings confirmation.
Meade apologizes sincerely on behalf of MACG for what he terms as “these unforeseen flight services operations”, and is working toward a rapid resolution for resumption of normal WINAIR support.