Weddings, Vacations Ruined As Air Traffic Controllers In Jamaica Walkout From Job
A nightmare occurred for travelers traveling to and from Jamaica after air traffic controllers staged a walkout from their job.
Caribbean National Weekly reports that this comes amid a fallout between air traffic controllers and the Ministry of Finance as staff demand more money.
The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) announced that air traffic services were suspended at 10 Thursday morning “due to limited staffing available to work at the Kingston Air Traffic Control Center.”
#HappeningNow: The air traffic control tower at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is seen deserted as workers remain on strike.
Travellers have been left stranded as several flights departing and arriving at the airport have been cancelled.
📷: Rudolph Brown pic.twitter.com/SHxqQCXI8P— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) May 12, 2022
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While it’s unclear how long the strike will last and how many flights are impacted, people traveling to and from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston should expect delays and cancellations.
Already Feeling The Impact
Folks already feel the impact as many people have taken to social media to express their frustrations and concerns.
The situation unfolding has caused disruptions for travelers caught up in the disagreement.
“Sitting in the airport holding back tears. They just canceled our flight to Jamaica due to a strike,” Carley Patmythes, stated on Facebook. She’s supposed to be getting married on the island this upcoming weekend. “Please pray for me and my family as we try to navigate this insane whirlwind.”
As more countries open their borders amid an ongoing pandemic, some people are warning travelers to be mindful of what’s happening in countries before vacationing.
Jamaica is trying hard at bouncing back after covid, however, this may now be a lot more challenging to achieve. The water company was on strike & today, the air traffic controllers. Just be mindful of your tourism market in all you do, or your hardship will be greater.
— Bob Chambers (@BobbieC2528) May 12, 2022
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This story is developing. We will update it as more information comes in.
