The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) has shortened the operational hours of the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport after experiencing a reduction in staff due to the present COVID-19 spike in the BVI.
This is according to a media release published by the BVIAA on Tuesday January 4, which said the new directive comes into effect from today Wednesday January 5.
The release said the Beef Island airport will now be operating on a 12-hour basis until next Tuesday.
The BVIAA said, “The daily, operational hours of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, (EIS), will be: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. until further notice. EIS will operate fully on a PPR (Prior Permission Required) basis through to Tuesday 11th January 2022, in the first instance.”
Airport to close for two half hour intervals – impacts sister island airports
The Airports Authority also informed the public that there will be two half hour breaks taken within the 12-hour working period, which will also affect operations on the sister island airports.
“EIS will close for two half hour periods (9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.) and 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm) through to Tuesday 11th January 2022, in the first instance. Due to this closure, no services will be provided to the airports in Anegada and Virgin Gorda during this period. The amending of the operational hours is in response to a wave of COVID-19 related illnesses that afflicted the staff,” the BVIAA explained.
Acting Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority Keith Flax assured the traveling public that the Airports Authority stands committed with the government as it exerts all efforts to manage and bring under control the number of staff afflicted by the COVID-19 virus.