The odds are getting  shorter for an early return of commercial flights to Tocumen International as the airport management is asking the the Ministry of Labor (Mitradel) to temporarily suspend the contracts of a "plural number of workers" at the air terminal.

The move reflects  the reality facing the airport industry f worldwide due to the sanitary control measures resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The temporary suspension of contracts will be for a period of 30 days, which may be extended

 The measure does not imply the termination of the contract or the employment relationship, said a statement from Tocumen SA.

"We are confident that, when the order restricting international flights and the order to close the commercial establishments that operate at our international airports are lifted, we can restore, together, the various daily activities that are carried out," said the statement.

It explained that the workers affected of suspension of contracts will continue to maintain their benefits from the company's private insurance, from the Social Security Fund, in addition to being able to receive the benefits and aid that the Government is offering against the pandemic.

Currently, the country's main airport only operates humanitarian flights.

The  Civil Aeronautical Authority extended until July 23 the suspension of commercial flights; in the absence of another extension, Tocumen, SA could resume its regular operations by this date bur don’t bet your ticket on it.