The airstrip at Zorg en Hoop lost its international airport label back in 2009 as a result of an audit that was conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
After the audit the then head of the Ministry of Transportation, Communications and Tourism immediately decided to scratch that status. Since 2009 a tolerance policy has been implemented with regards to international flights.
The Surinamese Civil Aviation Association has also concluded that the airstrip no longer meets the requirements. Everyday it reports that the airfield is not safe for flight operations due to the lack of a fire truck.
The further development of the air traffic management unit is being hampered by outdated laws, a huge shortage of qualified employees, the lack of regular training programs and the lack of funds. The aviation service lacks the funds and is often at the centre of political interference which is why it still has not been able to establish an adequate ‘Rescue and Fire Fighting
Services’ unit at the airstrip.
