PHILIPSBURG – A serious incident unfolded Sunday afternoon at Princess Juliana International Airport on Sint Maarten when a WestJet Boeing 737-800 arriving from Toronto sustained heavy damage during landing.
Around 1:30 p.m. local time, the aircraft came down hard on the runway, striking heavily on its right landing gear. According to video footage from the Maho Beach Cam, the gear collapsed on impact, causing the plane to skid across the runway. The right engine scraped the asphalt, releasing smoke and sparking concern among onlookers.
Swift emergency response
Emergency services were on the scene within moments. Fire crews sprayed foam around the aircraft as a precaution, while the crew initiated a full emergency evacuation. Passengers were evacuated using slides, and all 164 people on board were safely brought to the terminal for medical checks and assistance. Authorities confirmed there were no injuries.
Airport closure and flight disruptions
Because the aircraft came to rest on the runway, Princess Juliana International Airport was immediately shut down. Incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, while departing flights were either delayed or canceled. A Delta and a JetBlue flight had to divert, with Delta canceling its service altogether and JetBlue rescheduling for later in the evening. A KLM and an American Airlines aircraft were stranded on the tarmac, unable to depart until the runway is cleared.
Authorities have now confirmed that SXM Airport will remain closed until Monday at noon, when a specialized recovery team from WestJet is expected to remove the plane. Only after the aircraft is cleared will the runway undergo a full safety inspection by the Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority before operations resume.
Investigation underway
The Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the incident, working in cooperation with WestJet and Boeing. Investigators will review flight data, maintenance records, and weather conditions at the time of landing.
In a statement, WestJet praised the crew for their professionalism in carrying out the evacuation and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
While no lives were lost, the incident highlights the fragility of air connectivity in the region, where a single runway closure can paralyze travel for thousands of passengers.
