Minister requests report

The runway edge light circuit at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) has been restored.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, shared in a statement that the electrical teams at GAIA undertook round-the-clock intensive work after the failure blamed on an electrical fault on Tuesday.

The fault resulted in a NOTAM (Notice To Airmen) being issued which closed the airport’s runway from 6:30 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following morning. It was closed once again from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15.

Virgin Atlantic VS77 flight from Manchester, United Kingdom was however able to land safely at 8:36 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Tourism has expressed thanks to airlines, air traffic controllers, ground handlers and hotels along with staff of the GAIA and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated for their immeasurable dedication and swift action which circumvented any further disruption.

Minister Gooding-Edghill has also requested a report from the airport on the circumstances that led to the fault and the necessary actions required to avoid similar interruptions in the future.

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