LIAT plane makes emergency landing
LIAT’s communication department is refusing to comment so far on the reason behind one of the airline’s aircrafts making an emergency landing yesterday at VC Bird International Airport.
The origin of the flight is unknown, and what exactly led to the cockpit crew making an emergency landing is yet to be determined by this newspaper.
When contacted for information, LIAT’s Corporation Communications Manager, Desmond Brown, said the airline will issue a statement sometime today.
However, Director of Operations at VC Bird International Airport, Edward Gilkes, did confirm that an emergency landing took place at the country’s main port of entry.
Gilkes said shortly before 5 p.m., the Coolidge Fire Department was alerted of the situation and responded to the call, an international requirement in such circumstances. He did not reveal further information, though, saying it was up to LIAT to do so.
In January, a LIAT flight was forced to abort its trip from Antigua to St. Lucia twice, after a hazard light repeatedly came on in the cockpit.
In that instance, the first time, the captain took the precautionary measure and returned the 25 passengers to the VC Bird International Airport shortly after take-off.
The maintenance crew checked the aircraft, which again departed for St. Lucia later in the day, but once again, the captain had to turn back for the same reason.
Emergency services were on standby on both occasions, and the landings were uneventful. (Antigua Sun)