Lawmaker seeks to allay effects of flight cancellations
By John McPhaul
jpmpchaul@gmail.com
New Progressive Party Sen. Carmelo Ríos Santiago announced on Tuesday the filing of a resolution aimed at investigating the economic impact of the cancellations and delays in flights to and from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport during the past two weeks.
“For several weeks we have been hearing news and more news about the delays and even cancellations of hundreds of flights to and from our international airport. This has had a devastating effect on our people, because the impact of each delay is felt, not only in the pockets of those affected, but also in other areas of the economy,” Ríos Santiago said in a written statement. “That is why it is important to know how the cost of these delays and cancellations has been felt, to develop a strategy aimed at mitigating their effects.”
“What we are also looking for is to know if the packages offered by airlines to their passengers, particularly Puerto Ricans, when the itineraries change, are fair, because the dislocation caused by these actions is, in many cases, devastating on our people and that has to be compensated in the same way,” he added. “That is what we are looking for.”
Ríos Santiago said he will communicate with Ports Authority Executive Director Joel Pizá Batiz to outline an action plan for the cancellations and delays that have occurred and those that are expected in the coming days.