An incident mobilized all airport services this Sunday, September 7 at Princess Juliana Airport. A Boeing 737-800 of the WestJet company, operating flight WS2276 from Toronto, encountered serious landing difficultiesThe aircraft, which landed at 13:31 p.m. local time, suffered significant damage to its right landing gear and right wing.
The airport management (PJIAE) confirmed that 164 people were on board. No injuries were reported., but three passengers were taken to hospital for medical examinations as a precaution. “There was no fire, although contact with the runway caused damage to the right wing,” the airport said in a statement.
Runway closed, operations suspended
The runway was immediately closed, halting all flight operations. Local companies equipped with heavy equipment were called in to remove the aircraft. Authorities said that a technical investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the incident. Late Sunday afternoon, the airport announced that the runway would remain closed until Monday noon.
In a press release issued this Monday, September 8, the PJIAE announced “positive progress” in the aircraft recovery operations, thanks to the support of a specialized WestJet team dispatched to the site. The plane's withdrawal was expected around 11 a.m. today, before a runway inspection by Sint Maarten Civil Aviation“Operations will resume as soon as safety conditions are guaranteed,” airport management assured, urging travelers to contact their airline for the most up-to-date information on their flight.
A rapid official reaction
Le Prime Minister of Sint MaartenDr. Luc Mercelina responded a few hours after the incident. “First and foremost, we are grateful that the passengers and crew of WestJet flight WS2276 are safe and sound after today's incident at Princess Juliana Airport,” he said, reiterating that “the safety of travelers, our aviation personnel, and the general public remains our top priority.”
He also confirmed the immediate mobilization of the operating company PJIAE, the fire service, civil aviation and all emergency services. “Although the runway remains closed for the time being, all measures are being taken to ensure a safe resumption of operations as soon as possible,” stressed Dr. Mercelina, praising “the rapid and professional response of the mobilized teams.”
As the airport, vital to the island's economy and daily life, prepares to reopen its runway, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of coordination between all stakeholders in air transport and emergency services.
Source: Faxinfo https://faxinfo.fr/en/transport-aerien-incident-impliquant-un-avion-de-westjet-a-princess-juliana-reprise-des-vols-sous-peu/
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