• About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Header Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: A view of the Pitons under cloudy skies, with weather icons showing mixed sun and showers as tropical waves approach the Eastern Caribbean.

    St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: Cloudy skies with showers

    GPH St Lucia Saga with Philip J Pierre, Ernest Hilaire and Mehmet Kutman signing Global Ports Holding deal despite Cabinet rejection

    GPH St Lucia Saga: Cabinet Rejected Proposal but SLP Pushed Ahead

    Photo of Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia with partly cloudy skies, illustrating the St Lucia Weather August 29 2025 forecast.

    St Lucia Weather August 29 2025: Fair skies with scattered showers

    A Carnival Cruise Line ship sailing the Caribbean, as Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits in 2026 and boosts Mahogany Bay itineraries.

    Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits, shifts to Mahogany Bay in 2026

    Castries harbor under bright skies, illustrating the St Lucia Weather August 28 2025 forecast of hazy conditions and scattered showers.

    St Lucia Weather August 28 2025: Fair and hazy with scattered showers

    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025 forecast showing cloudy skies, scattered showers, and tropical wave conditions

    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025: Tropical Wave Brings Cloudy Skies, Showers

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    “Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich as the St Lucian Olympic champion powers to win the women’s 100m in 10.76 seconds.

    Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich 100m

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Nadine J Joseph-Collins, who spoke out on the St Lucia calypso judging controversy

    St Lucia calypso judging controversy: Labour supporter speaks out

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    A Carnival Cruise Line ship sailing the Caribbean, as Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits in 2026 and boosts Mahogany Bay itineraries.

    Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits, shifts to Mahogany Bay in 2026

    Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

    Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

    Commercial airplane flying low over Caribbean waters, symbolizing improved Caribbean air connectivity through CTO–ASM partnership

    Caribbean air connectivity gets boost with CTO, ASM partnership

    United Airlines aircraft on the tarmac during operational disruptions caused by the United Airlines technical issue and FAA ground stop

    United Airlines technical issue causes major flight delays

    Jennifer Matarangas King pictured, nominated as USVI Tourism Commissioner

    Jennifer Matarangas King tapped to lead USVI Tourism

    Hand holding a Saint Lucia passport by airplane window, symbolizing St Lucia US visa overstay rate issue.

    St Lucia US visa overstay rate highlights deepening economic crisis

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
    • Saint Lucia Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: A view of the Pitons under cloudy skies, with weather icons showing mixed sun and showers as tropical waves approach the Eastern Caribbean.

    St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: Cloudy skies with showers

    GPH St Lucia Saga with Philip J Pierre, Ernest Hilaire and Mehmet Kutman signing Global Ports Holding deal despite Cabinet rejection

    GPH St Lucia Saga: Cabinet Rejected Proposal but SLP Pushed Ahead

    Photo of Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia with partly cloudy skies, illustrating the St Lucia Weather August 29 2025 forecast.

    St Lucia Weather August 29 2025: Fair skies with scattered showers

    A Carnival Cruise Line ship sailing the Caribbean, as Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits in 2026 and boosts Mahogany Bay itineraries.

    Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits, shifts to Mahogany Bay in 2026

    Castries harbor under bright skies, illustrating the St Lucia Weather August 28 2025 forecast of hazy conditions and scattered showers.

    St Lucia Weather August 28 2025: Fair and hazy with scattered showers

    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025 forecast showing cloudy skies, scattered showers, and tropical wave conditions

    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025: Tropical Wave Brings Cloudy Skies, Showers

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    “Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich as the St Lucian Olympic champion powers to win the women’s 100m in 10.76 seconds.

    Julien Alfred Diamond League victory in Zurich 100m

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Nadine J Joseph-Collins, who spoke out on the St Lucia calypso judging controversy

    St Lucia calypso judging controversy: Labour supporter speaks out

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    A Carnival Cruise Line ship sailing the Caribbean, as Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits in 2026 and boosts Mahogany Bay itineraries.

    Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits, shifts to Mahogany Bay in 2026

    Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

    Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

    Commercial airplane flying low over Caribbean waters, symbolizing improved Caribbean air connectivity through CTO–ASM partnership

    Caribbean air connectivity gets boost with CTO, ASM partnership

    United Airlines aircraft on the tarmac during operational disruptions caused by the United Airlines technical issue and FAA ground stop

    United Airlines technical issue causes major flight delays

    Jennifer Matarangas King pictured, nominated as USVI Tourism Commissioner

    Jennifer Matarangas King tapped to lead USVI Tourism

    Hand holding a Saint Lucia passport by airplane window, symbolizing St Lucia US visa overstay rate issue.

    St Lucia US visa overstay rate highlights deepening economic crisis

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
    • Saint Lucia Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Mobile Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV
Home Lifestyle Travel

Industrial Action at Hewanorra Airport Cripple Flights Amid Chaos

Labor unrest by ground handling staff triggers delays and cancellations

Unitedpac by Unitedpac
February 1, 2025
in Local News, Travel
Reading Time: 4 mins read
690 7
A A
0
Passengers waiting outside the DeparturesCheck-In area at Hewanorra International Airport amid delays caused by industrial action.

Passengers waiting outside the DeparturesCheck-In area at Hewanorra International Airport amid delays caused by industrial action.

155
SHARES
1.5k
VIEWS
Share Share Reddit

Table of Contents

  • 1. Labor dispute linked to ongoing negotiations
  • 2. Passenger impact and ongoing challenges
  • 3. Broader implications for Saint Lucia’s tourism sector

Travelers Face Chaos as Industrial Action at Hewanorra Airport Escalates

Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) operations faced significant disruptions on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as ground handling staff from GCG Ground Services reportedly engaged in a coordinated “Go Slow” and sickout. The industrial action at Hewanorra Airport has severely impacted flight schedules, with nearly 90% of the workforce reported absent due to illness, limiting operational capacity at one of Saint Lucia’s primary international airports.

ADVERTISEMENT
Empty check-in counters at Hewanorra International Airport as industrial action disrupts operations, leaving passengers stranded.
Empty check-in counters at Hewanorra International Airport as industrial action disrupts operations, leaving passengers stranded.

SLASPA (Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority) issued a public notice confirming the situation, which resulted in three flight cancellations and delays for other departures and arrivals. The industrial action left passengers stranded or rescheduling their plans. Management and supervisory personnel from GCG Ground Services stepped in to fill gaps left by absent staff; however, their efforts could not fully compensate for the scale of the disruption.

In the public notice, SLASPA stated:

“Earlier today, Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Hewanorra International Airport experienced flight disruptions as a result of what appeared to be industrial action by Staff of the Ground Handling Service Provider at the airport. Through a collaborative effort by the Airlines, senior management personnel of the Ground Handler, airport Stakeholders and SLASPA, most flight operations were facilitated.

However, some delays were experienced and there were three (3) flight cancellations as a result. It is anticipated that passengers from the cancelled flights will be accommodated and facilitated by the Airlines tomorrow, Sunday, February 2, 2025. Passengers who were so affected should keep close contact with their respective airlines for flight details and to be informed of any further delays. SLASPA trusts that the industrial relations matter between the Ground Handler and its Staff will be resolved at the soonest.

SLASPA apologizes for the inconvenience that this situation has caused to its valued customers and the travelling public.”

01
of 03
Labor dispute linked to ongoing negotiations

The labor action comes as GCG Ground Services and union representatives navigate collective bargaining negotiations. Sources suggest growing tensions over employment terms may have contributed to the walkout, though specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed. SLASPA assured the public that senior personnel, airport stakeholders, and airlines collaborated to facilitate as many flight operations as possible under the circumstances.

02
of 03
Passenger impact and ongoing challenges

Passengers affected by cancellations were advised to contact their respective airlines for updates and rebooking assistance. Airlines have pledged to accommodate impacted travelers by Sunday, February 2, 2025. However, uncertainty looms as SLASPA and stakeholders work toward a resolution. While SLASPA expressed optimism about resolving the industrial relations dispute promptly, it acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the traveling public.

Aviation industry experts note that the disruption highlights the critical role ground handling services play in maintaining seamless airport operations. GCG Ground Services, as a key provider, manages essential tasks such as baggage handling, aircraft towing, and fueling. A significant reduction in their workforce can cripple daily airport activities, as seen in Saturday’s events.

Baggage claim area at Hewanorra International Airport during industrial action, with passengers and limited staff handling operations.
Baggage claim area at Hewanorra International Airport during industrial action, with passengers and limited staff handling operations.

03
of 03
Broader implications for Saint Lucia’s tourism sector

HIA serves as a gateway for thousands of tourists and residents traveling to and from Saint Lucia. With the country’s economy heavily reliant on tourism, sustained disruptions at the airport could have far-reaching economic repercussions. The incident underscores the delicate balance required to address workers’ concerns while maintaining operational stability in a sector vital to national revenue.

SLASPA has pledged to resolve the dispute in collaboration with the union and GCG Ground Services. In the meantime, travelers are urged to monitor airline communications and remain prepared for potential delays. As negotiations continue, the public will closely watch for signs of progress and restoration of full airport services.

For more updates on this developing story, stay connected with Unitedpac St Lucia News.

Tags: airport industrial actionflight delays Saint LuciaGCG Ground Services Saint LuciaHewanorra Airport newsHewanorra Airport strikeHewanorra flight cancellationsSaint Lucia airport disruptionsSaint Lucia travel updatestravel chaos Hewanorra Airport

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Unsubscribe
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Choiseul Chopping Attack Leaves Family Devastated

Next Post

IATA Slams Hewanorra Airport Crisis, Demands Urgent Action

Related Posts

St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: A view of the Pitons under cloudy skies, with weather icons showing mixed sun and showers as tropical waves approach the Eastern Caribbean.

St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: Cloudy skies with showers

August 30, 2025
141
GPH St Lucia Saga with Philip J Pierre, Ernest Hilaire and Mehmet Kutman signing Global Ports Holding deal despite Cabinet rejection

GPH St Lucia Saga: Cabinet Rejected Proposal but SLP Pushed Ahead

August 30, 2025
260
Photo of Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia with partly cloudy skies, illustrating the St Lucia Weather August 29 2025 forecast.

St Lucia Weather August 29 2025: Fair skies with scattered showers

August 29, 2025
154
A Carnival Cruise Line ship sailing the Caribbean, as Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits in 2026 and boosts Mahogany Bay itineraries.

Carnival cuts Costa Maya visits, shifts to Mahogany Bay in 2026

August 29, 2025
151
Castries harbor under bright skies, illustrating the St Lucia Weather August 28 2025 forecast of hazy conditions and scattered showers.

St Lucia Weather August 28 2025: Fair and hazy with scattered showers

August 28, 2025
148
St Lucia Weather August 27 2025 forecast showing cloudy skies, scattered showers, and tropical wave conditions

St Lucia Weather August 27 2025: Tropical Wave Brings Cloudy Skies, Showers

August 27, 2025
165
Next Post
Peter Cerdá, IATA Regional Vice President for the Americas, as IATA slams Hewanorra Airport crisis and calls for urgent reforms.

IATA Slams Hewanorra Airport Crisis, Demands Urgent Action

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Stay Connected

  • 22.4k Fans
  • 873 Followers
  • 13.5k Subscribers
  • 2.6k Followers
  • 41 Followers
  • 2.3k Followers
ADVERTISEMENT

Top Stories

Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

August 27, 2025
168
Stephen Fevrier GPH statement: Stephen Fevrier in a suit with a yellow tie, superimposed over Castries harbour with cruise ships docked at Port Castries.

Stephen Fevrier GPH statement Blast SLP over SLASPA deal

August 27, 2025
205
Partly cloudy and hazy skies over St Lucia weather August 26 2025 with digital forecast icons in the sky

St Lucia weather August 26 2025: partly cloudy, hazy skies

August 26, 2025 - Updated on August 27, 2025
157
Stephen Fevrier, wearing a blue suit and sunglasses, stands outside a building in Castries after delivering his Stephen Fevrier crime statement on August 19, 2025

Stephen Fevrier crime statement targets Pierre government failures

August 26, 2025
234
Unitedpac St. Lucia News logo


Unitedpac St Lucia News — trusted source for St Lucia News online. Get breaking news today on politics, crime, tourism, and community stories across St Lucia, the Caribbean, and worldwide.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
  • Business
  • Commentary
  • Entertainment
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
  • Politics
  • Press Releases
  • Tech
  • World

Recent News

St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: A view of the Pitons under cloudy skies, with weather icons showing mixed sun and showers as tropical waves approach the Eastern Caribbean.

St Lucia Weather August 30 2025: Cloudy skies with showers

August 30, 2025
GPH St Lucia Saga with Philip J Pierre, Ernest Hilaire and Mehmet Kutman signing Global Ports Holding deal despite Cabinet rejection

GPH St Lucia Saga: Cabinet Rejected Proposal but SLP Pushed Ahead

August 30, 2025
Photo of Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia with partly cloudy skies, illustrating the St Lucia Weather August 29 2025 forecast.

St Lucia Weather August 29 2025: Fair skies with scattered showers

August 29, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Local News
    • Justice
    • Crime
    • Caribbean News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    • Education
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Saint Lucia Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Travel
    • Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.