PHILIPSBURG - Winair has to keep all 11 aircraft on the ground due to a measure of the 'Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile'.

According to the civil aviation authority, partner Air Antilles would fall short in the maintenance of the fleet. Winair leases the aircraft from Air Antilles for the flights between Sint Maarten and the ABC islands.

Air Antilles says in a statement that it would be administrative matters and apologizes to its passengers.

Winair has indicated that it does not expect to be able to operate any flights with the ATR aircraft until September 7.