Suriname-Bound KLM Flight Diverts To Trinidad Following ATC Staffing Shortage

On April 25, 2026, a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight headed from Amsterdam (AMS) to Paramaribo (PBM) in Suriname was forced to divert to Trinidad (POS) as a result of air traffic controller staffing issues.

It is understood that while they had an enroute controller, there was no tower controller to authorize landings and departures, resulting in a number of flights being disrupted. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) valid for April 25, the airport made light of controller staffing issues, originally stating that no tower controllers would be present between 08:00 to 15:30. This was later extended to 22:30 the same evening.

As a result, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Surinam Airways and Fly All Ways flights suffered service interruptions. Even though the inbound KLM flight was well into Suriname airspace, they diverted to Trinidad as crew member hours were nearing expiry.

While Georgetown (GEO), Guyana was a closer diversion point (and another KLM destination), they opted to go to Trinidad as there was more hotel capacity to accommodate the 300+ passengers on board the flight.

The flight departed Trinidad the next day just after lunch time, touching down in Suriname one hour and 20 minutes later.

Unfortunately, air traffic controller staffing issues at Suriname airports has been an ongoing problem over the last few years. A combination of low wages, poor working conditions, and long lead times in training has resulted in airspace control disruptions.

This is the second incident within the last 12 months to get international attention. In October 2025, another KLM flight from Amsterdam was forced to hold for about 25 minutes before diverting to Cayenne (CAY) in French Guiana as a result of staffing issues.

Following the incident, Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons held a meeting with the Suriname Air Traffic Controllers Association (SATCA) to discuss matters affecting the industry including updates to ATC wage structures, expedited training, and service continuity.

Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism, Raymond Landveld, said that they will reconvene within two to three weeks to discuss proposals to permanently address ongoing issues.

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