British Airways delay leaves passengers stranded, frustrated

July 17 2026

Scores of Guyanese passengers scheduled to travel on a British Airways flight from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday evening have been left frustrated after the flight was delayed with little information from the airline.

The flight to St. Lucia was scheduled to depart at 7:00 p.m, with passengers instructed to check in by 4:00 p.m.

However, by press time, the flight remained delayed, and passengers said they had received no indication of when it was expected to depart.

Several travellers told BIG Smith News Watch that repeated attempts to obtain information from British Airways representatives were unsuccessful, with no clear explanation provided for the delay. Passengers said they were only advised to monitor their emails for further updates.

Adding to the frustration, passengers reported that the airline’s website was unavailable and did not display any information regarding the delay.

The uncertainty has also resulted in unexpected expenses.

One passenger, Kwame Grundall, said he booked accommodation at the nearby Marriott Hotel at a cost of approximately $85,000 for his safety and comfort.

He noted that a few other passengers did the same, fearing they could miss the flight if they returned home while the departure time remained uncertain.

Persons travelling from Berbice and Essequibo said they remained at the airport and in close proximity, because they could not risk making the long journey home without knowing when the flight would depart.

Passengers remain stranded, some still at the airport from since 4pm yesterday to now, as they await an official explanation from British Airways regarding the cause of the delay, with the airline yet to provide a revised departure time for the flight.

Reports suggest the delay is due to mechanical issues with the aircraft, and the flight is expected to depart by midday today.