Delays at Piarco, Crown Point

Workers were said to have called in sick to protest poor working conditions and demand salary negotiations.

The action caused several flights to remain airborne since aircraft were not able to land without directions from the air traffic controllers. A total of nine flights were delayed, airport sources said.

Although operations were not brought to a halt, auxiliary staff had to be called out to assist with the situation, which was rectified by mid-morning.

When Newsday visited the Piarco International Airport operations appeared normal with some passengers, who seemed oblivious to the action, waiting to board flights to various destinations. Although a few flights were delayed they were not far from the norm.

Efforts to contact Ramesh Lutchmedial, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority proved futile.