Permission given to transport stranded airline passengers to Venezuela - Minister Patterson

8th June, 2015

KINGSTON - There is some relief in sight for the more than 40 Venezuelan passengers who were stranded in Guyana following a decision by the Guyana Government, via the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), not to allow Venezuelan state-owned airline, Conviasa Airlines to land in the country over the non-payment of its bond. 

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, with responsibility for the transportation sector said on Sunday, June 7, 2015, permission has been given for a “one-off flight” to take those who were stranded back to their native country.

It was revealed previously that Conviasa owed landing and administration fees to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the GCAA. In addition, the airline has never lodged a bond for its operations in Guyana.

Minister Patterson stated that the airline has paid the monies owed to the CJIA and GCAA, but is still to lodge the bond with the Guyana Government.

It is standard procedure that airlines operating out of Guyana would usually have to lodge a bond in case there is a need to cater for passengers affected by issues which may negatively affect their flights in and out of the country.

Conviasa commenced its inaugural flight on November 22, 2013 with a direct service from Puerto Ordaz to CJIA.