By Admin. Updated 7:37 p.m., Monday, January 20, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
An American Airlines aircraft with approximately 91 passengers on board experienced a tire problem upon landing at Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent today (January 20).
According to reports, two of the aircraft’s tires blew out upon impact with the runway.
The aircraft, operating under flight number AA909, landed at around 4:40 p.m.
Mr. Joshua Anderson, a local content creator who witnessed the ordeal, told One News SVG via a live broadcast, “I was out here doing some plane spotting when the American Airlines aircraft touched down. We heard a loud explosion, and then I saw some white smoke,” he said.
The aircraft was stuck near the Peruvian Vale end (northern end) of the airport’s lone runway. The fire brigade, ambulance personnel, airport staff, and others secured the area and began the process of evacuating passengers.
Passengers awaiting the arrival of their aircraft to leave St. Vincent were left disappointed when their flight was canceled.
Additionally, Virgin Atlantic’s flight VS197, which was coming in from Barbados, had to be diverted back to Barbados. This flight included passengers from Heathrow International Airport in London as well as those picked up at Grantley Adams International Airport (BGIA) in Barbados.
Other flights also experienced cancellations and diversions this afternoon.
Minister of Civil Aviation Carlos James informed One News SVG that authorities were working diligently to address the situation.