A commercial aircraft operated by WestJet made a rough landing in Sint Maarten on Sunday, forcing the closure of Princess Juliana International Airport and leaving 164 passengers stranded. The incident occurred as the plane traveled from Toronto, with three individuals receiving medical evaluations “out of an abundance of caution,” according to airport officials.
The runway remained shut following the event, prompting delays and cancellations that disrupted travel for passengers, including at least one Albertan. St. Maarten Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina emphasized the priority of safety, stating, “The safety and security of travellers, our aviation personnel and the general public remain our highest priority.”
A WestJet Boeing 737-800 experienced a collapsed right landing gear during the descent, leading to the airport’s temporary closure. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada announced an investigation into the incident. Passengers were advised to contact WestJet directly for further assistance.
Sint Maarten, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a popular Caribbean destination known for its tropical appeal.
