SINT MAARTEN — September 8, 2025 — A WestJet Boeing 737-800 suffered a landing gear collapse at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on Sunday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of 164 passengers and crew and triggering a temporary closure of one of the Caribbean’s busiest gateways.
Incident Details
The aircraft, operating as flight WS2276 from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), touched down hard on Runway 10 at approximately 1:31 p.m. local time on September 7. The impact led to the failure of the right-hand main landing gear (MLG), which caused the jet to skid along the tarmac. The right engine and wing sustained visible damage as the engine scraped the runway, generating sparks and smoke.
Eyewitness Paul Ellinger, a plane spotter on the ground, said the approach looked “normal but slightly high” before the gear collapse on touchdown.
Emergency crews at Princess Juliana responded within minutes, deploying fire-retardant foam as a precaution. Despite the sparks and smoke, no fire ignited.
Passenger Safety
All passengers and crew were evacuated safely using emergency slides and were transported to the terminal. According to authorities, no injuries were reported, though three individuals were taken for medical evaluations out of an abundance of caution.
WestJet confirmed the incident in a statement, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew remained its priority and that it was cooperating fully with investigators.
Airport Response
The Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) issued a statement soon after the incident.
“Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) is aware of an incident involving a WestJet aircraft earlier today, in which one of the wings sustained damage,” the airport said.
“We are relieved to confirm that all passengers and crew safely disembarked, as their safety and well-being remain our highest priority. At this time, all air traffic to PJIAE has been temporarily suspended and no aircraft will be permitted to land until further notice.”
Disruption to Operations
The suspension of air traffic until at least 7:00 p.m. local time created significant disruptions across the region. Inbound flights were diverted to alternate airports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, while outbound flights faced cancellations and lengthy delays.
Airport contractors with heavy equipment were deployed to remove the immobilized aircraft and inspect the runway for damage. The 737-800 remained grounded on site, its collapsed landing gear and damaged wing and engine serving as key evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Underway
The Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority, working alongside WestJet and Boeing, has opened a formal inquiry into the cause of the landing gear failure. Investigators will review flight data, pilot input, maintenance records, and potential mechanical issues. Weather conditions at the time, which were reported as clear, are also being examined.
The airport’s unique geography and operational challenges are expected to form part of the investigation. Princess Juliana International is renowned for its short runway and dramatic approach over Maho Beach, which draws crowds of aviation enthusiasts but requires precise execution from flight crews.
Context and Precedent
The incident highlights the inherent challenges of operating at SXM. In 2017, a WestJet flight narrowly avoided disaster at the same airport after descending dangerously low during poor visibility. Aviation experts frequently cite the combination of the runway’s proximity to the beach, its limited length, and the surrounding terrain as contributing factors to the airport’s reputation as one of the world’s most difficult approaches.
Looking Ahead
The damaged aircraft will remain under investigation until authorities conclude their review. In the meantime, passengers traveling through Sint Maarten face ongoing delays and diversions as the airport works to resume normal operations.
Both PJIAE and WestJet have urged travelers to monitor their websites for the latest updates on flight schedules and airport status.
For WestJet, the incident underscores the critical importance of safety management in high-profile tourist destinations, particularly at airports with challenging operating environments.
