SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Following the incident involving WestJet flight WS2276, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, on the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) on Sunday, September 7, 2025, we wish to inform the public and all stakeholders that the runway will remain closed until 12:00 PM tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025.
This closure is necessary to allow for a thorough investigation by the relevant civil aviation authorities and the safe removal of the aircraft from the runway. A recovery crew from WestJet will be arriving to carry out the removal operation. Once the aircraft has been cleared and the runway has been inspected by SXM Civil Aviation, PJIA will reopen for flight operations.
Throughout the day, the Minister of TEATT, Ms. Grisha Heyliger, and her team were present on-site, supporting the response efforts. In addition, the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, visited the airport to offer his support and encouragement to all involved.
PJIA extends its sincere appreciation for the great effort demonstrated by all stakeholders, including PJIA staff, PJIAE, PJIAH, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of TEATT, Tourism Offices, the Fire Department, SXM Customs, SXM Civil Aviation, SXM Immigration, and Juliana Handlers, who worked tirelessly under challenging circumstances to assist our customers and ensure safety.
Passengers with upcoming flights are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest updates and assistance regarding their travel plans.
We appreciate the understanding of the traveling public and all stakeholders, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
PHOTO CAPTION: On-site collaboration: Minister of TEATT, Ms. Grisha Heyliger, with PJIAE staff at Princess Juliana International Airport.
PHOTO CAPTION: Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and PJIAE CEO Mr. Michael Cleaver offer support to the WestJet crew at Princess Juliana International Airport.
ARCHIVED - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2025 AFTERNOON - SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) confirms that an incident occurred today, Sunday, September 7, 2025, involving a WestJet Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operating as flight WS2276 from Toronto (YYZ) to St. Maarten (SXM).
The aircraft landed at 13:31 local time. There were 164 souls on board. PJIAE is relieved to report that there were no injuries. Out of an abundance of caution, three individuals were taken for medical evaluation. PJIAE reports that there was no fire; however, contact with the runway caused damage to the aircraft’s right wing.
PJIAE has contacted local contractors with heavy equipment to assist in the safe removal of the aircraft from the runway.
Once the aircraft is removed and the runway is inspected by SXM Civil Aviation, operations will resume.
All relevant civil aviation authorities and Sint Maarten stakeholders have been notified.
Passengers and the public are advised to contact WestJet directly via their website for further updates regarding the flight.
The runway is currently closed. Once the aircraft has been removed and the runway has been inspected by SXM Civil Aviation, it will be reopened.
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