Problem with another LIAT aircraft puts emergency equipment on standby at Grantley Adams International Airport

A LIAT aircraft developed a pressurization problem while travelling from Dominica to Barbados earlier this week. A release from LIAT said the problem was experienced Tuesday evening on LI563,{{more}} which was travelling with 18 passengers on board.

“The Barbados Airport Authorities, in keeping with their procedures, had their emergency equipment on alert, in spite of the fact that the operating captain indicated that it was not an emergency situation and no assistance was required,” the release said.

“The aircraft landed without any further incident. There was no smoke in the cabin, as suggested in the media, however, after landing, when the air-conditioning system was activated in the normal manner, there was a vaporised mist from the air vents which is customary. The crew reported there were no reports of difficulty in breathing by the passengers.”

According to the release, following investigation and analysis by LIAT’s Maintenance and Engineering Department, the aircraft was returned to service.

This is the second time this week that LIAT has experienced a problem with one of its aircraft, resulting in emergency equipment at the Grantley Adams International Airport being put on standby. On Monday, LI 774, travelling from Guyana to Barbados with 43 passengers on board, experienced a main wheel failure during take-off. Emergency services were placed on standby in Barbados as a precautionary measure. The aircraft was, however, able to land uneventfully.

According to a release from LIAT, that aircraft is being examined by the company’s maintenance department and will undergo the various checks stipulated by the manufacturer before it is returned to service.