It is the largest in France with its 18,360 km2.

The town of Maripasoula, in the west of Guyana, finds itself isolated from the world after Air Guyane decided to suspend air links following a landing incident on November 4th.

A LET 410 aircraft overran the runway, without gravity, landing on the temporary laterite runway of the small aerodrome.

The aircraft had difficulty braking on the ground made slippery by the rain.

Air Guyane has therefore decided to no longer serve the city, without announcing a return date.

"The temporary track is not yet tested", justified Christian Marchand, director of the airline, which transports 37,000 travelers each year on the Cayenne-Maripasoula line.

The canoe as an alternative

The historic runway of the small airfield, covered with a hard surface, has been under construction for a few weeks and for a period of six months.

But, with the rainy season looming, Christian Marchand fears that this deadline will be exceeded.

Normally, Maripasoula is only accessible by plane or canoe on the Maroni River.

“The plane is our route.

Without a plane, everything is blocked”, regretted Lama Topo, first deputy mayor of Maripasoula.

According to him, this situation "kills the local economy, the construction sites are at a standstill: the future high school, the future road between Maripasoula and Papaïchton", a neighboring town 35 kilometers from the runway but without an aerodrome.

The only alternative at this stage is to land at Grand-Santi, downstream from the Maroni, then continue by canoe.

A river navigation that can take "up to five hours", according to a transport professional.

Teachers blocked

As a result of Air Guyane's decision, around fifty teachers were unable to return to Maripasoula for the resumption of classes this Monday after the holidays, according to the rectorate.

All schools in Maripasoula and Papaïchton, except one, are nevertheless open.

“The inhabitants are under house arrest,” said Jonathan Abienso, spokesperson for the collective of the inhabitants of Maripasoula, stressing that it was impossible for them to go to Cayenne to carry out procedures or consult a specialist, for example.

It should be noted that the city experienced several weeks of blockage in October, with residents demanding, among other things, more air rotations.

Complaints accepted by Air Guyane but which will therefore only be implemented when flights resume.

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