KLM Boeing 777 Diverts to Cayenne After Paramaribo ATC Shortage

A KLM Boeing 777-300ER operating flight KL713 from Amsterdam to Paramaribo was forced to divert on October 22, 2025, after air traffic control (ATC) services in Suriname became unavailable due to a sudden staffing shortage. The aircraft, registered PH-BVR, had been on final descent toward Paramaribo’s Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) when the crew was informed that ATC operations had been temporarily suspended.

According to flight data and local aviation authorities, the Boeing 777 was at FL180 (18,000 feet) when the pilots stopped their descent at around 13:35 local time (16:35 UTC) and entered a holding pattern south of Paramaribo. The crew held for approximately 25 minutes while awaiting updates from air traffic control but eventually decided to divert to Cayenne, French Guiana, located about 300 kilometers east of Paramaribo. The aircraft landed safely at Félix Eboué Airport (CAY) roughly one hour after aborting its approach.

KLM confirmed that the diversion was conducted out of an abundance of caution and that passenger safety was never compromised. The flight remained on the ground in Cayenne for about 80 minutes before resuming its journey to Paramaribo. The aircraft landed safely at its intended destination nearly three hours behind schedule.

Suriname’s Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Tourism later reported that the incident was caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers, many of whom had called in sick earlier that day. Officials warned that, without additional staff being called in, flights to and from Paramaribo could be suspended entirely by 16:00 local time. The ministry said emergency measures were taken to reassign available controllers and restore normal operations later that afternoon.

Industry analysts noted that the event highlights growing challenges faced by small national aviation systems, where limited personnel or sudden absences can significantly impact international flight operations. While large airports typically have redundant ATC coverage, smaller countries such as Suriname often depend on a small pool of highly trained specialists. This makes them more vulnerable to disruptions caused by illness, labor disputes, or administrative issues.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional aviation bodies have previously emphasized the need for improved air traffic management resilience across the Caribbean and South America. Similar incidents, though rare, have occurred in other parts of the region due to staffing shortages and outdated ATC infrastructure.

Passengers on flight KL713 praised the professionalism of the KLM crew for maintaining calm and providing regular updates throughout the diversion. The airline offered refreshments and assistance during the stop in Cayenne before continuing to Paramaribo once ATC services were restored.

While no flights were canceled, the temporary suspension served as a wake-up call for Suriname’s aviation authorities to strengthen contingency planning and workforce management within its ATC system. The Ministry of Transport has since confirmed an internal review is underway to prevent a recurrence.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avherald.com