Caribbean Airlines receives around $40 million annually in subsidies from the central government, in addition to other fuel-related subsidies. Like its global counterparts, CAL faced severe losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the central government facilitated a $66.5 million loan for the airline. Due to a lack of published audited financial statements for the past few years, the full scope of subsidies, expenses, and earnings remains unknown. Consequently, former Minister Stephen Cadiz disputes CAL’s justifications for boosting airbridge flights.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Caribbean Airlines operated twenty-four flights between Trinidad and Tobago. However, post-pandemic, this number has decreased to just twelve scheduled flights. Paradoxically, the airline is expanding its routes and flight frequencies to other destinations within the Caribbean.
Additionally, former Minister Cadiz questioned how are CAL’s resources being used to service the new routes. Cadiz also criticized CAL for its handling of the airbridge during peak periods, highlighting that the airline possesses prior knowledge to efficiently add essential flights. According to Cadiz, neither Caribbean Airlines nor the central government appears to be prioritizing the airbridge, which he describes as a critical service for Tobago.
