Western Air has announced that the ongoing closure of Runway 14/32 at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau is causing significant delays to their flight operations.
In a passenger advisory issued yesterday, the airline explained that the limited runway capacity has led to congestion and extended ground times, affecting their ability to maintain their usual on-time schedule.
“With only one runway in use for the past few weeks, the congestion and extended ground time it takes to takeoff and land, combined with a full flight schedule and standard crew duty time limitations, has resulted in delays & reaccommodations on select flights, including today’s Flight 716 & 718,” the advisory stated.
The airline noted that a flight from Freeport to Nassau that typically takes 35 minutes “is now averaging up to 1 hour & 30 minutes,” with some flights even having to be diverted “due to prolonged wait times for clearance to land.”
Western Air explained that these delays are also affecting their flight crews, who operate under regulated duty hours for safety reasons. “More duty time spent on the ground waiting limits the flights they’re able to complete,” according to the advisory.
The airline has advised ticketed passengers to continue checking in as usual, as most flights are still operating according to schedule, though delays may occur depending on traffic volume at LPIA.
“We recognize these delays are an inconvenience and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding. Your time is very valuable to us,” the airline stated.
Western Air expects Runway 14/32 to reopen by the end of the month and has promised to provide updates as they receive them.
