AIA Temporarily Closed Following American Airlines Tire Incident

By Admin. Updated 8:26 p.m., Monday, January 20, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Argyle International Airport (AIA) announced on Monday night that it is temporarily closed until further notice.

This announcement follows an incident involving an American Airlines (AA) aircraft that experienced two burst tires upon landing at the AIA around 4:40 p.m.

All 91 passengers aboard flight AA909 were safely evacuated from the aircraft.

The AIA stated on its official Facebook page, “An update will be forthcoming as soon as operations have resumed.”

In the aftermath of the incident, several flights were diverted to neighboring islands. Among them was Virgin Atlantic’s flight VS197, which was coming in from Barbados, and had to be diverted back to Barbados. This flight included passengers from Heathrow International Airport in London as well as those picked up at Grantley Adams International Airport (BGIA) in Barbados. 

The incident

Mr. Joshua Anderson, a local content creator who witnessed the ordeal, told One News SVG via a live broadcast, “I was out here doing some plane spotting when the American Airlines aircraft touched down. We heard a loud explosion, and then I saw some white smoke,” he said.

The aircraft was stuck near the Peruvian Vale end (northern end) of the airport’s lone runway. The fire brigade, ambulance personnel, airport staff, and others secured the area and began the process of evacuating passengers.

Passengers awaiting the arrival of their aircraft to leave St. Vincent were left disappointed when their flight was canceled. 

Other flights also experienced cancellations and diversions this afternoon. 

Minister of Civil Aviation Carlos James informed One News SVG that authorities were working diligently to address the situation.

Note: Tyre is the spelling in British Standard English.