🛫 Cayman Islands Airports Authority reverses decision on night-flight restrictions

The Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA) on Cayman Brac had to cancel Cayman Airways' weekend direct flights from Denver, Tampa, and Miami to Grand Cayman due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) had previously extended CKIA's operating hours beyond its usual 7:00pm closure time to accommodate these flights but recently decided to reinstate the restrictions. However, following queries from CNS, the airport announced on Sunday that it was "working on solutions" and would "accommodate Cayman Airways' jet flights" from 7 June. 🛩️

The issue arose due to limited air traffic controllers (ATCs), with the CIAA currently having 17 fully trained ATCs, most of whom are based at ORIA due to the higher level of air traffic. The Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTARs) include specific provisions for air traffic controllers’ working hours to mitigate fatigue and enhance performance and safety. The CIAA confirmed that the problem was a shortage of trained ATCs and stated that it had started recruiting local trainees. However, due to the time it takes to become a licensed ATC, the training course is expected to be completed only in December 2024. 🎓

Despite these challenges, the CIAA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security and is working on immediate solutions to address the out-of-hours limitations. CIAA CEO Albert Anderson expressed his commitment to complying with the rules and regulations that govern airport operations and apologized for the inconvenience caused to the traveling public. He also noted that the CIAA was continuing its collaboration with Cayman Airways to maintain the weekend jet service to and from the Brac. ✈️