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JetBlue flight security issue leads to temporary Aruba airport shutdown

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JetBlue passengers flying from Boston to Aruba were stranded on a plane for hours Monday while authorities investigated a “security-related incident.”

When the flight landed at Queen Beatrix International Airport on February 9, the pilot was directed to an alternative location to park. JetBlue said the reason given was a “safety-related situation.” Boston station WCVB News Center 5.

Disappointed passengers were kept on board for about two hours after landing, the station said.

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A passenger said that security guards boarded the plane and checked passports one by one. They were then allowed to file out. A K9 unit was also brought in to examine the luggage.

“The flight was met by law enforcement who conducted additional screenings and customers have since disembarked,” the airline said.

Due to a security issue on a JetBlue flight, Aruba airport was briefly closed on Monday and passengers were kept on the plane for about two hours after landing. (Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty Images)

“The safety of our customers and crew members is JetBlue’s top priority and any further investigation should be referred to law enforcement.”

Airport operations were temporarily suspended during the incident. In the announcement shared on social media, Queen Beatrix International Airport said that access to the terminal was restricted while officials assessed the situation.

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“Due to a security-related situation, airport operations have been temporarily suspended. The situation is being managed by the appropriate authorities and security remains our top priority,” the airport said in a statement. Facebook post.

About an hour later, the airport issued an update stating that operations would be suspended for approximately another 90 minutes.

A K9 police dog sniffs out a brown suitcase during airport screenings.

One passenger said officers boarded the plane, checked passports one by one, and brought in a K9 unit like the one shown above to check luggage. (iStock)

While passengers inside the terminal were instructed to stay there, those who had not yet entered were asked to wait outside until passenger transactions continued.

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Some passengers on social media reported disruptions to their connecting travel plans due to the delay, including missed or rerouted flights.