BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Protest action by air traffic controllers at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), has forced the closure of the airport.

In a release Thursday, airport authorities said as a result, all flights in and out of the island have been cancelled until 6:00 pm.

Among the affected carriers is regional airline LIAT.

In a travel advisory issued just before 11:00 am, the Antigua-based carrier advised that “all flights to / from Barbados for today, Thursday, March 24 have been delayed due to the closure of the Grantley Adams International Airport as a result of strike action by air traffic controllers.

“LIAT also regrets to advise that passengers who decide to travel but are unable to complete their journey will not be provided with meals, transportation or hotel accommodation as the situation is beyond LIAT’s control, ” the advisory said, adding that LIAT regrets the inconvenience caused.

The protest action, called by the Barbados Workers Union (BWU), is in solidarity with striking Barbados Water Authority workers who are demanding payment of BD$33 million in outstanding increments.

The Bridgetown Port has also been hit by strike action.