Koulias: Airport situation unacceptable

THE chairman of the parliament’s transport committee urged the government yesterday to act immediately to rectify the protracted problems experienced at the island’s two airports after ground handling services were handed over to private companies.

DIKO’s Zaharias Koulias charged that nothing has been done despite assurances that drastic measures would be taken to resolve the chaotic situation.

Since the transfer of ground-handling operations to Swissport-GAP Vassilopoulos and LGS (Louis, Gold Air and Service Air) at the end of May, services at both Larnaca and Paphos terminals have experienced major problems.

Koulias said on Sunday one of the companies had four workers available to service eight aircraft.

“The know-how is absent, there is no personnel or supervisors,” Koulias said after a surprise visit to Larnaca airport.

The outspoken deputy said there is no communication between the various ground-handling crews resulting in chaotic scenes.

Koulias suggested that the government should impose a stiff fine because that is the only way to get the companies to resolve the issue.

The same problems are experienced at Paphos airport but to a smaller scale because of its small size.

But in Larnaca, the main airport, the situation is unacceptable, Koulias said.

He said officials should activate the provisions in the contracts and not keep them locked in their desks.

Reports yesterday said the government has handed over a list of problems to airport manager Hermes and is waiting for a response.

Last week the government said it launched a disciplinary investigation into the two companies’ performance and has not ruled out imposing financial penalties.

The agreement also provides for a termination of the contract if they continue to provide substandard services.

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