LIAT has once again risen from the ashes, resuming flights on a limited basis to seven Caribbean countries.
On November 25, the Antigua-based airline announced resumption of service on a limited basis, offering service to the following islands:
- Antigua
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St. Lucia
- St. Kitts
- St. Vincent
LIAT resumed flights throughout the Eastern Caribbean, with plans to operate five days per week based on the following schedule. Based on FlightAware data, it seems that all went well as their first few flights departed (a bit later than planned).
After almost wrapping up shop, LIAT entered into administration on July 24, 2020. Under the watch of Cleveland Seaforth of BDO Antigua and Barbuda, the restructuring process began after the airline suffered additional losses due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that the airline owes as much as EC $100 million. Initially the then board of LIAT wanted the airline to be liquidated, but Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne fought to have the airline scaled down instead.
Even though today’s flights might mean good news for LIAT, they now face a new challenge as Caribbean Airlines was recently granted approval to operate a number of flights throughout the Caribbean via their temporary hub in Barbados. Caribbean Airlines has not been able to operate flights to Trinidad and Tobago as the country’s borders still remain closed.
Those interested in flying with LIAT will be subjected to new COVID-19 safety guidelines, and customers are asked to also familiarize themselves with the relevant protocols associated with the islands they are traveling to and from.
[Featured Photo: Bradley Wint/Gate Checked]
Featured image: Bradley Wint/Gate Checked
