Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority Mr. Kurt Menal has said the delay encountered prior to the departure of American Airlines Flight # 3989 from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport destined to Miami Florida on Sunday June 4 was as a result of the prevailing winds and high temperature.

Mr. Menal said all aircraft operating at the airport were forced to depart using runway 25 from the east instead of runway 07 from the west. 

“Runway 25 is approximately 295 feet shorter than runway 07 and the temperatures and winds were not favourable at the scheduled time of American Airline’s departure,” Mr. Menal said.

The Managing Director explained, “American Airlines operates at the T.B. Lettsome International Airport with restrictions on passenger loads on departure as a result of the current runway length constraints.  The airline also has further restrictions that are required to be incorporated into their operational planning should they have to depart from a different direction than normal.” 

Mr. Menal said, after careful consideration, the pilot in command of flight #3989 made a decision to reduce the weight on the aircraft ahead of take-off to ensure the safety of all passengers on board and its safe operations as it was departing from another direction.  The payload was reduced when the airline removed all passengers’ luggage following which it departed the Territory.

American Airlines Client Service Department has been in contact with the affected passengers and has undertaken the necessary steps to have all luggage depart the Territory today and delivered to their respective owners.

American Airlines sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of the required safety measures that were undertaken.  The authority pledged its full commitment to upholding its motto of, “Safety is our #1 Priority”.