Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has indicated that the island’s airport could resume operations within the next six to 12 hours following the shutdown caused by Hurricane Beryl. The victorious Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, along with support staff, BCCI officials, and players’ families, have been stranded since Saturday after clinching the T20 World Cup title with a win over South Africa.
“We hope, and we’re working towards later today. I don’t want to speak in advance of it, but I’ve literally been in touch with the airport personnel and they’re doing their last checks now and we want to resume to normal operations as a matter of urgency,” Mottley told PTI.
Barbados, with its population of nearly three lakh, has been under lockdown since Sunday evening due to life-threatening winds and storm conditions. Despite the hurricane passing just south of the island, Mottley noted significant damage to coastal infrastructure and assets.
The window for departure from Bridgetown remains narrow, with another hurricane expected on Wednesday, prompting efforts to facilitate the departure of stranded visitors, including the Indian cricket team.
“I’m sure that in spite of the passage of the hurricane, that they would have been in very, very, very good mood and spirit and to win in the manner that they won on Saturday. I think they will be floating on air for a little time,” Mottley added optimistically.