Freezing weather conditions in New York and subsequent mechanical problems saw Dynamic Airways’ travel delay woes continue and passengers being stuck for over nearly a day.
Passengers were irate yesterday, with complaints ranging from missing Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping plans with family to missed job return dates.
The flight departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport yesterday afternoon.
Local representative of the airline Gerry Gouveia apologised to passengers for the delay and explained that on Thursday the pilot made a decision to not fly given the icy conditions in New York.
“We were supposed to leave last night [Thursday] but there was icing and the pilot said better safe than sorry and we decided to wait,” Gouveia told Stabroek News.
He said that when they decided on a departure time, routine checks of the aircraft were again made and it was discovered that the pressure in one of the evacuation mechanisms was not functioning properly and they had to delay further so that it could be rectified.
He said that United States civil aviation officials were informed and work began on the plane.
Passengers were placed in hotels for the night and were provided with calls and meals.
However, those passengers Stabroek News spoke to complained about missed plans and saddened families. “This is my first time to foreign and I was expecting to go and eat up food with my family for Thanksgiving and de shopping you know but watch wuh happen…a hotel room and these food is not the same… I wanted turkey and thing,” a young woman, who asked only to be referred to as Dawn told Stabroek News as she continuously shook her head in disbelief.
She said she had promised her children that she would make use of Black Friday discounts and that when she returned for Christmas they would “get plenty things” but now feels this may not occur.
Another passenger said he did not opt to be put up at a hotel but instead returned with his family. And while he was annoyed that he was not sure if he would make it to work on time for 5 am today, he was glad he got to spend additional time with his family. “I work at a plant and had to be back for 5 am Saturday. I am not sure if that would be possible now because I would have to drive 4 hours to get home,” he said.
“That is North America and some companies don’t care if you had four weddings and a funeral, your money is cut and you are given warnings …but I am glad in a way I got to be with them and you can’t rush what is meant to be, so I am cool,” he added.
Stabroek News understands that this was Dynamic’s third flight since its return to the local market on November 22 last and so far there have been delays on all.
However, Gouveia promised to work on improving the services, while lamenting that he feels the pain of both the pain of passengers and his staff who have relayed to him their frustration, anger and their feelings of being overwhelmed.
