Antigua Air Traffic Slows Down

A flow control system implemented by air traffic controllers at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua has been disrupting flights in and out of the island during the Christmas rush.

Airlines have reported having to delay and cancel flights since the reduced pace of air traffic clearances due to what the workers say is an increase in flights during this Yuletide season.

And while the slowdown comes amidst calls from air traffic controllers for a pay increase, they have insisted the move is not industrial action. A press release from the Guild of Antigua and Barbuda Air Traffic Control Officers (GABATCO) said that the flow control system is implemented when there is an anticipated high volume of air traffic; a degradation of air traffic control equipment such as the radar, communication radios and navigational aids; or a reduction in air traffic control personnel.