Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson was alerted about the situation involving a group of 40-50 KLM passengers who could not find any lodging in the country on Saturday.
This situation was following the KLM flight that has been sitting on the ground since Friday due to a technical problem on the Boeing 747. KLM technicians did not anticipate that the problem would take such a long time to repair. When Saturday reached, the problem still had not been resolved.
Before visiting the airport just after midnight, the Minister contacted the KLM country representative, the Civil Aviation Authority and SXM Airport Management with respect to the situation.
After assessing the situation, the Minister instructed that the stranded passengers should stay at the terminal building until the morning. In collaboration with the airport management, KLM crew, Minister Richardson ensured that the unfortunate travellers are attended in providing them water, food and blankets. The Police, the Customs and the airport security, who all were present at the terminal, were assigned to ensure the passengers safety and the safety of the premises.
Minister Richardson continued monitoring the situation on Sunday morning as he was told that an empty plane will be arriving to pick up the stranded passengers, and this unfortunate incident ends with very little discomfort to the remaining passengers and the country.