GCAA defends suspension of ASL operations

Mar 27, 2026 News

…but company says flights to Matthews Ridge reinstated, pilot remains grounded

(Kaieteur News) – In response to recent complaints by Air Services Limited (ASL) that it is being unfairly pushed out of business following restrictions on its flights to the Matthews Ridge Airstrip in Region One, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has defended its actions, stating that the suspension of ASL’s operations was carried out in accordance with its statutory mandate.

In a statement on Thursday, the GCAA explained that the decision to suspend ASL’s operations to Matthews Ridge pending a full investigation into a reported incident, was necessary to ensure aviation safety. The authority noted, “The pilot’s suspension and temporary operational restrictions were necessary as preventive measures against a more serious accident, subject to formal investigation and review, ensuring procedural fairness while upholding the GCAA’s duty to act decisively in the interest of safety.”

GCAA defends suspension of ASL operations

GCAA Director General Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field

However, ASL’s attorney, Motee Singh, has since revealed that the company has been cleared to resume flights to Matthews Ridge. Speaking with Kaieteur News on Thursday, Singh disclosed that the Director General of the GCAA sent correspondence on Thursday morning granting the airline permission to recommence operations.

“This morning, the Director of the GCAA sent us an email stating that we can resume operations to Matthews Ridge. However, the pilot remains suspended until further notice,” Singh said. He maintained that the company was not responsible for the incident and criticized the decision to suspend the pilot without what he described as sufficient evidence. While noting that the email did not indicate whether the investigation had concluded, Singh said the airline has nonetheless been given clearance to operate.

Meanwhile, the GCAA reiterated that its actions stem from ongoing operational reviews and safety assessments within the aviation sector. The authority emphasized that increased oversight in certain areas is necessary to safeguard passengers, crew, aircraft airworthiness, and public confidence. “All regulatory decisions of the GCAA are made strictly in accordance with our safety and security mandate,” the statement said.

The agency further stressed that safety remains vital, adding, “Safety is non-negotiable in the aviation industry. When risk patterns emerge, early action is not optional; it is essential.”

On Wednesday, ASL Chairman Captain Ahamad Mazahar Ally raised serious concerns about what he described as abrupt and undocumented decisions made by the aviation authority. He claimed that on Sunday, the company received verbal directives to cease operations and restrict flights to Region One, its largest service area, placing the livelihoods of more than 300 employees at risk.

Ally explained that ASL typically operates three daily flights to Matthews Ridge, but an incident involving one of its aircraft on Sunday triggered the suspension.

“The first aircraft was involved in an incident. The second aircraft went in and returned with the pilot, and then our Operations Manager, Captain Zahir, received a call from the Director General indicating that he had received a report about the incident and that he would ground our air services and the pilot with immediate effect,” Ally stated.

He noted that while the airline was initially allowed to complete its operations on Sunday, it was fully grounded by Monday a directive that later escalated into a complete restriction from operating at Matthews Ridge.

Providing further details, Ally said the incident involved another company’s aircraft that had landed, suffered a puncture, and veered off the runway but remained on the airstrip. As a result, the ASL aircraft was forced to manoeuvre and ultimately landed on a nearby construction site.

“There is no supervision or air traffic control there,” he added.

Ally also argued that such incidents are not uncommon in the aviation sector but believes ASL is being unfairly singled out. “All operators have incidents, but they are not subjected to these kinds of measures. As far as we are concerned, only our company is being targeted,” he said.

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Air Services Limited, Egbert Field, GCAA, Guyana Civil Aviation, Matthews Ridge, Matthews Ridge Airstrip

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