A strike by cabin crew of the Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (SLM, Suriname’s national airline) on Friday, October 9, has led to a delay of flight PY431 to Aruba and Curaçao. According to Tra Fas De, passengers have been sent home and must wait hours for their departure.
SLM has confirmed in an official statement, according to Tra Fas De, that the flight was delayed because of the strike. Under the revised schedule, the aircraft will depart Paramaribo at 5 p.m. and is expected in Aruba at 6:45 p.m. It will then continue to Curaçao, where arrival is scheduled for 8:15 p.m.
The airline is calling on passengers to continue following updates, as the flight schedule may change again.
Family visit at risk
According to Tra Fas De, those affected include family members travelling to Aruba to celebrate a relative’s 70th birthday on Friday evening. They had planned their trip well in advance. Because of the delay, it is uncertain whether they will be able to attend the celebration on time.
Tra Fas De reports that passengers are angry and disappointed about the situation. The delay is jeopardising their travel plans and appointments.
The reason for the strike and the cabin crew’s demands are not explained in the reporting. It is also unclear how long the work stoppage will last.
