A dramatic incident occurred on September 7, 2025, when WestJet flight 2276

A dramatic incident occurred on September 7, 2025, when WestJet flight 2276 experienced a hard landing at St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport. At approximately 17:29 UTC, the right side of the aircraft made contact with the runway, resulting in smoke but fortunately, no fire ensued. Despite the treacherous conditions, the 164 passengers and crew members on board remained safe, with no reported injuries. However, as a precautionary measure, three individuals were taken for medical evaluation.

The notorious runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, known for its challenging conditions and potential for strong winds, including microbursts, may have contributed to the difficult landing. The prompt response of emergency services and the efficient deployment of slides enabled a swift evacuation of all on board. The airline has confirmed the incident and is collaborating with local authorities to investigate the cause of the hard landing.

The airport has been temporarily closed to allow for the removal of the damaged aircraft, and a comprehensive investigation is underway, involving multiple agencies, including the Canadian Transportation Safety Board and potentially American authorities, given that the plane was manufactured in the United States. The primary objective of the investigation is to determine the exact cause of the hard landing and implement necessary safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This incident highlights the significance of rigorous training for pilots to handle diverse weather conditions and the importance of efficient emergency protocols. The cooperation between aviation authorities from different countries is expected to provide a thorough understanding of the events leading up to the incident, ultimately leading to recommendations for preventing similar occurrences. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on identifying the root cause of the hard landing and implementing measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members in the future.