because there were no air traffic controllers present in the control tower so the plane had no other choice than to head to neighboring Guyana instead.

Verno Prijor, acting director at the Transport Department of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Tourism (TCT) calls the situation exceptionally alarming and emphasized that it could have huge consequences. He told the Communication Division Suriname Friday that “such incidents bring shame to Suriname on the international stage and that they could lead to airlines steering clear from our airspace and we could therefore lose income. Airlines could also claim damages and the trust in our aviation sector could be tainted.” Reports indicate that the two air traffic controllers who were supposed to be in the control tower that night had both called in sick. The Ministry of TCT and the head of the Aviation Service tried to mobilize replacements but their efforts were futile because they could not reach anybody. That day the Suriname Air Traffic Controllers’ Association had sent a letter, announcing that effective immediately air traffic controllers would no longer be allowed to fill in for each other. “The timing is noticeable and regrettable,” said Prijor.