News

The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which operates the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) on Grand Cayman and the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA) on Cayman Brac, confirmed an aircraft incident at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport, following speculation from some local media.

At 11:02 a.m. yesterday, Friday, 20 August 2021, a private LJ55 Lear Jet, destined to Fort Lauderdale, FL, from Cayman Brac, became disabled during take-off on Charles Kirkconnell International Airport runway when a nose gear tire was blown.

No injuries were reported.

The aircraft was carrying four passengers and two crew. It pulled to a stop before take-off, and all persons on board disembarked the aircraft safely.

Runway operations closed down temporarily while the disabled aircraft was moved safely to the apron.

The runway returned to full operations after the aircraft was removed at 12:48 p.m.

During the time that the disabled aircraft was on the runway, some domestic traffic was delayed.

A recovery flight was approved to enable the operator to bring in another aircraft to take the passengers out and to bring a mechanic to change the tire.

This was completed and both aircraft departed by 5:40 p.m.

Fire, Police, Airport Security and Travel Cayman were on site following the incident, and COVID protocols were adhered to.