Trinidad and Tobago denies claims airspace has been restricted
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Minister, Wayne Sturge, has dismissed claims on social media that Trinidad and Tobago’s airspace has been restricted, insisting that all aviation operations remain normal and fully functional.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, aviation safety and public confidence,” Sturge said in a statement, adding that any material changes to aviation operations would be communicated through official channels.
Sturge said that misinformation had been disseminated online following the sharing of a partial excerpt of a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) identified as A0010/26.
He said that the excerpt was presented in a misleading manner that sensationalised what he described as a routine aviation security advisory, resulting in unnecessary public concern.
“Trinidad and Tobago’s airspace remains fully open and operational. The Piarco Flight Information Region (TTZP) and all airports continue to accommodate normal commercial and private aviation traffic.”
The ministry of defence said that NOTAM A0010/26 was issued by the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and applies only to US registered aircraft operators.
It said that such advisories are standard security measures routinely issued by sovereign states and do not represent an assessment of the safety or security of Trinidad and Tobago’s airspace.
The ministry said that local aviation and national security authorities continue to monitor the Piarco Flight Information Region in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards to ensure the safety of all air traffic.
The ministry also called for responsible reporting, warning that the circulation of incomplete or misleading information could undermine public confidence and create unnecessary alarm.