The Tribune

THE assertion that the Marsh Harbour Airport faces a 90-day shutdown threat is “misleading and incorrect” according to the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.

The ministry was responding to a story on the front page of Monday’s Tribune, in which sources claimed the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had given the airport three months to make certain improvements “or face shutdown of American routes”.

“The Department of Civil Aviation reports that the TSA performed its regularly scheduled aviation security (AVSEC) review of the Marsh Harbour International Airport, from October 21-25, 2013,” said the ministry in a statement.

“Such reviews are undertaken by the TSA on a regular basis at all airports catering to US aircraft. Following the review, a number of findings were identified by the TSA, which will be outlined to the Department of Civil Aviation in a written report.

“It is important to note that those findings which could be resolved immediately were corrected, and the remainder are being addressed. The TSA observed during the post-inspection review, that it anticipated that the remaining issues will fall away as soon as the new terminal is equipped and staffed for opening.”

The ministry assured the public that aviation officials are working assiduously to meet the anticipated opening date of the new terminal, which is set for January 2014.