The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Saturday said that it will be investigating reports that local aircraft operators have hiked fares for passengers and cargo in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the GCAA quoted its Director General Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field as saying that the development is “unconscionable and unscrupulous” given the prevailing health pandemic.
GCAA said that in the formulation of Directives restricting international flights, the GCAA was very conscious of the need for consignments to be transported to various hinterland locations especially those inaccessible by water or road and hence there is no restriction in cargo flights.
“The GCAA is therefore alarmed that the rates for transporting cargo by air have significantly increased”, the statement said.
In addition, in keeping with social distancing requirements, the GCAA said it allowed passenger flights at 50% of the aircraft seating capacity to all non-border locations. Arriving at this decision, the GCAA anticipated that air operators would combine cargo and passengers to enable maximum utilization of the aircraft weight capacity.
It also adverted to the Government’s removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic travel until June 30, 2020 and the significant reduction in fuel prices.
“The GCAA condemns these actions by air operators and will be investigating these reports to ensure that passengers are not treated unfairly during this unfortunate period. The GCAA strongly encourages domestic operators to cease and desist from this unconscionable conduct”, the statement said.
