LIAT Resumes Scheduled Flights from Antigua after Addressing Maintenance Challenges

LIAT (Antigua and Barbuda) has successfully recommenced its commercial operations after a brief hiatus last month, attributing the suspension to unforeseen maintenance issues. The airline made the announcement through a Facebook post, confirming the resumption of its scheduled flights starting from December 7.

Following a series of maintenance challenges in early November, LIAT was compelled to temporarily halt its services. The carrier has since reported the resolution of these issues, allowing it to resume normal operations. Presently, LIAT operates a fleet comprising three ATR42-600 turboprops, boasting an average age of precisely ten years, as indicated by ch-aviation fleets advanced data.

A recent analysis of Flightradar24 ADS-B data by ch-aviation reveals that one of the aircraft, V2-LIG (msn 1009), has been active since December 7, undertaking ten or more daily flights to various Caribbean destinations. However, the remaining two aircraft, V2-LID (msn 1006) and V2-LIF (msn 1008), are yet to resume operations as of December 11.

LIAT currently serves 15 routes spanning nine destinations across nine countries and territories, according to the ch-aviation capacities module.

In a statement, LIAT’s management addressed the situation, stating, “The management of LIAT wishes to advise that it has resumed flights following its suspension of services due to maintenance issues in November. The company has been able to resolve the maintenance issues and resumed flying its regular schedule, which is currently open for sale, as of today, Thursday, December 7, 2023.”

Local reports suggest that logistical and supply-chain challenges added complexity to the reinstatement process, preventing the carrier from specifying a definite timeframe for resuming its scheduled operations.

The airline took the opportunity to extend apologies to all those affected by the disruptions and, particularly with the Christmas travel season approaching, reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and crew while continuing to serve its existing destinations.

As of the latest information, LIAT has not responded to ch-aviation’s request for details on when the other two turboprops are expected to resume operations.