9:53 a.m. Wednesday
Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas reopened shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday after closing early in the morning when a plane made an emergency landing and became disabled on the facility’s only runway. All airport operations have resumed, the V.I. Port Authority said in a news release. However, travelers are encouraged to contact their airline directly for flight information.
8:33 a.m. Wednesday
Cyril E. King Airport is closed until noon Wednesday after a private plane headed from Martinique to Tortola in the BVI made an emergency landing late Tuesday and became disabled on the runway, according to the V.I. Port Authority.
The airplane, tail number N817YV, “landed safely at the airport but experienced a mechanical issue upon landing regarding a hydraulic leak and a small fire at the wheelbase,” VIPA said. “The three people onboard were unharmed. However, the aircraft remained disabled on the airport’s only runway through this morning,” it said.
The plane landed around 10 p.m. Tuesday and the airport closed at 3:48 a.m. Wednesday to facilitate the recovery of the disabled aircraft on the facility’s only runway, according to VIPA.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe reported that as of 7:50 a.m., the aircraft was removed and the runway is currently being inspected and prepared for reopening, which is expected by noon today.
“VIPA apologizes for any inconvenience caused and expresses gratitude to all entities that assisted with the recovery of the aircraft,” the release stated.
