No CAL cancellations despite terrorist threat

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 20:59 by GxMedia

Almost 100 percent of the passengers booked on Caribbean Airlines’ (CAL) early Monday morning left on the flight, despite a terrorist threat, an airline official said.

“There were no cancellations. We had a very good showing of passengers. The US citizens travelled as well,” said the CAL official.

In addition to the early morning New York-bound flight, there were also four other “successful and safe” departures, the official said.

The CAL official praised the “elevated” security measures put in place by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Police said the measures included the deployment of additional ranks and a ballistics sniffer dog to check passengers and CAL planes that are leaving the airport.

Deputy Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said there was no visible presence of uniformed police and soldiers patrolling the airport. However, additional plainclothes police were deployed to the CJIA to process passengers and cargo.

He said there was no suspicious activity in connection with the CAL flight that departed early Monday morning for New York. The flight departed generally on time.

Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) was told that the ballistics dog was even taken aboard the plane as part of a red alert by CAL and CJIA.

Although the threat was not specific, the United States warned Americans not to fly on CAL from Monday to Wednesday but make alternative arrangements.

The CJIA Sunday night said the Ministry of Transport and CJIA have adopted the highest security posture to protect passengers, crew, aircraft and airport employees and to ensure the continued smooth and safe operations at the airport.

The US travel advisory is from Monday to Wednesday but Guyanese authorities said the red alert would remain in place over a number of days until such time as the threat is no longer deemed valid.