A commercial aircraft operated by WestJet made a rough landing at Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten on Sunday, triggering an emergency response and forcing the airport to close for the remainder of the day. The incident involved a flight from Toronto carrying 164 passengers and crew.
WestJet confirmed no injuries were reported following the hard landing, though three individuals received medical evaluations “out of an abundance of caution,” according to airport authorities. The runway remained closed as emergency teams worked with local fire departments and aviation officials to safely remove the aircraft.
The closure led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, leaving passengers—including at least one Albertan—stranded on the Caribbean island. Sint Maarten Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina emphasized the priority of passenger and staff safety, stating, “The safety and security of travellers, our aviation personnel, and the general public remain our highest priority.”
A Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation was launched into the incident, which occurred during the flight’s approach to Princess Juliana International Airport. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800 registered under WestJet.
Passengers and their families were advised to contact WestJet directly for updates on rebooking or further assistance. Sint Maarten, located on the southern third of Saint Martin Island, is a popular tourist destination in the northeastern Caribbean Sea.