The decision to resume air traffic services comes after full and complete assessments were executed at all airports in the Territory following the ‘all clear’ issued by the Department of Disaster Management, according to Managing Director at the BVI Airports Authority, Mr Kurt A.G. Menal. Photo: VINO/File

With flood conditions persisting across the Virgin Islands (VI) as a result of conditions from Tropical Storm Phillipe’s passage, Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority Mr. Kurt A.G. Menal has announced the closure of VI’s Territory’s Airports as a result of the storm as the territory also remains under a Flash Flood Warning. Photo: VINO/File

Mr. Kurt A. G. Menal advised that once the “all clear” is given by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), an assessment of each airport will be conducted, and a further press release issued to announce the reopening of airports. Photo: VINO/File

Meanwhile, a notice has also come from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) that the center is carrying out damage assessments and heavy equipment operators are working to clear those roads that have been blocked by the effects of Tropical Storm Philippe. Photo: Team of Reporters

This is according to the Managing Director at the BVI Airports Authority, Mr Kurt A.G. Menal, who had said that air traffic services in the Virgin Islands would resume at 1:45 PM today, Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Mr Menal said the decision to resume air traffic services comes after full and complete assessments were executed at all airports in the Territory following the "all clear" issued by the Department of Disaster Management.

The Managing Director, in a press statement from the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), said individual airlines and aircraft operators will however determine whether or not they will operate their respective services.

Travellers are encouraged to contact their respective airlines for further information on travel to and from the Territory.

See previous article published October 4, 2023

VI airports closed due to effects of TS Philippe

-Public asked to avoid non-essential travel across the VI to facilitate road debris clearance 

With flood conditions persisting across the Virgin Islands (VI) as a result of Tropical Storm Philippe’s passage, Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority Mr. Kurt A.G. Menal has this morning, October 4, 2023, announced the closure of the Territory’s Airports due to the storm, as the territory also remains under a Flash Flood Warning.

Mr. Menal advised that once the “all clear” is given by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), an assessment of each airport will be conducted, and a further press release issued to announce the reopening of airports.

Passengers with confirmed travel for today are asked to contact their respective airlines directly for further information. 

Avoid non-essential travel

Meanwhile, a notice has also come from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) that the center is carrying out damage assessments and heavy equipment operators are working to clear those roads that have been blocked by the effects of Tropical Storm Philippe.

As such, due to safety reasons, persons are being asked to remain at home and off the roads and to avoid non-essential travel to allow for the continued safe clearance of motorways.

Officials of the BVIEC have also issued a notice that they are aware of widespread power outages and will work to restore power once conditions are safe.