By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has denied the allegation that they are responsible for the delay of President Barrow’s flight to Accra, Ghana.
“Professional business practice required the carrier/pilot to have established constant communication on his needs before reaching Banjul. By this, the contracting agent/OP would have ensured that the time needed to tank-up/ refuel the aircraft is factored in the president’s travel itinerary to avert any unnecessary waiting at the Airport. Therefore, the delay of the VVIP movement was the result of a breakdown in communication between the carrier/ airline and the contracting party for the state and not a consequence of GCAA’s commission or omission,” GCAA said in a press release on Tuesday.
Gambia Civil Aviation Authority described the allegations as ‘misinformation’ and said that is in fact not part of their mandate.
“The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has received with deep concern some misinformed social media audios holding GCAA responsible for the recent delay of His Excellency the President’s flight at Banjul International Airport on his recent trip to Accra, Ghana.
“Contrary to these misleading assertions, which clearly depict a prevailing lack of understanding of the mandate of the GCAA, it is imperative for the general public to note that as a Public Enterprise. GCAA’s mandate is to operate Banjul International Airport and regulate the air transport industry. Fundamentally, as Air port Operator, the responsibility of the GCAA is to provide the requisite infrastructure, equipment and services needed to enhance effective and efficient air transport operations (not airline operations or chartering),” the release continued.
“The province of determining when and where an aircraft refuels is entirely the responsibility of the airline i.e. pilot and not the GCAA. Thus, as Airport operator and regulator, GCAA on this occasion exhausted its entire scope of responsibilities by ensuring safe and efficient arrival and departure of the night into and out of Banjul,” it concluded.
The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) were accused of delaying President Adama Barrow’s flight to Accra, Ghana.