Curaçao minister threatens to revoke landing rights SLM

Robbi Lachmising, director at Suriname Airways (SLM), is puzzled by the fact that government officials from Curaçao wants to drag SLM in the Insel Air issue. “Why does my company have to be dragged in a political game between two nations?” Curaçao’s Minister of Transport and Spatial Planning (VVRP), Zita Jesus-Leito, has threatened to revoke the landing rights of SLM if Suriname does not allow Insel Air to carry out commercial flights. The SLM director pointed out that he still has not received any official word of the plans of the aviation authorities from Curaçao. He reportedly received the news via other channels. Suriname’s national carrier will therefore keep on flying passengers to Curaçao. The SLM director pointed out that the SLM does not owe the Antillean airline any money. But Insel Air still has to pay SLM for services rendered. Lachmising made it clear that if Insel Air fails to pay its debts measures will be taken. Insel Air must also pay other Surinamese creditors including the aviation service, airport management and the Association of Travel Agents. There are also about 800 people who had bought tickets at Insel Air several months ago and who are still waiting for a refund.

When asked to comment, Public Works, Transport and Communication Minister Jerry Miranda pointed out that he is still busy with the Insel Air issue.