Caribbean Airline flights return to normal schedule

Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) flights have returned to normalcy following the fiasco of pilots reportedly calling in sick en masse – a move which had affected dozens of flights.
In a statement on Tuesday, the carrier said international and domestic flights were operating as scheduled. At the same time, it was also liaising with affected passengers on their updated flight details, having been left stranded on Sunday when the issue broke out.
“The regular operation is working in parallel with recovery flights, some operated by charters on behalf of the airline to accommodate any remaining displaced passengers. The company continues to contact affected customers by phone. E-mails and SMS notifications with updated information are also being sent to passengers,” the airline company updated.
On Sunday, the Trinidad-based carrier cancelled over three dozen flights, reportedly owing to a large number of pilots calling in sick.
Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) on Monday secured an injunction by the Industrial Court against the Trinidad and Tobago Pilots Association (TTALPA), which mandated pilots to return to work.
In addition, the injunction further ordered TTALPA to instruct its membership to immediately report for duty as rostered and required in the normal course of their employment with Caribbean Airlines.
In a release to the press later in the day, CAL stated that it sought the support of the Industrial Court after receiving calls from 75 pilots between August 19 and 20, 2023, each indicating they were unwell and unable to report for duty.
The airline received each of these calls around three hours before the scheduled departure times of the respective flights. This resulted in approximately 60 flights having to be cancelled between August 19 and 20. The unavailability of these pilots, combined with the short notice, made it impossible to recover.
In response to the critical situation, Caribbean Airlines said at significant costs, it immediately wet-leased two aircraft and obtained accommodation for stranded passengers.
“We took these measures to safeguard the interests of our valued customers, our amazing staff and our beloved airline. Our aim was to do our best to return to stability to our operations, and we are now actively working towards restoring our flights…We accept that this is a significant setback in our relationship with you. However, we are resolute in our commitment to restoring the trust,” the company was quoted.
Meanwhile, the Association has denied reports that it was striking; it is illegal for pilots to engage in that type of action. The Union has also been asked to instruct its membership to immediately report for duty as rostered, with a warning that a penal clause can be endorsed. (G12)