Advertisement 325
Advertisement 323
AIA covered in volcanic ash on April 10, 2021, the day after the eruption began. (iWN photo)
AIA covered in volcanic ash on April 10, 2021, the day after the eruption began. (iWN photo)
Advertisement 219

Argyle International Airport (AIA) has set Saturday, April 24, as the date for its reopening after ash from the eruption of La Soufriere on April 9 forced the airport to close.

Corsel Robertson, chief executive officer of AIA, had announced that the airport was trying to reopen for this past Monday, a date that it missed.

On Thursday, Robertson said that the airport continues to make significant strides in the process of cleaning the aerodrome, to ensure that all international standards to accommodate aircraft are achieved.

“We express appreciation to everyone who contributed to AIA returning to operations by way of water and masks donations, equipment and manpower,” she said in a press release announcing Saturday’s return to full operations.

“The public is asked to appreciate that cleaning will be ongoing, as ash persists in the atmosphere and is continuously redeposited on the compound,” Robertson said.

Advertisement 21

The Cargo Terminal will return to normal operations from 8 a.m. today, Friday April 23.

Meanwhile, Robertson said that the J.F. Mitchell Airport, in Bequia, remains open under special conditions, due to the terminal building repair work in progress.

The Canouan, Union Island, and Mustique airports remain operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The public is reminded that the prevailing protocols for COVID-19, remain in effect,” Robertson said.