An Aruba Airlines bird strike during departure from Cuba led to the aircraft being grounded in Aruba, leaving 180 passengers waiting at Queen Beatrix International Airport for onward travel to Guyana.
Aircraft continued to Aruba for fuel and inspection
According to 24ora, the Cuba-to-Guyana flight was scheduled to stop in Aruba for fuel because of limited aviation fuel availability in Cuba. The aircraft struck a bird during takeoff, but the pilot continued to Aruba, where repair facilities were available.
An inspection in Aruba found impact damage to the aircraft’s nose cone. The Department of Civil Aviation then withheld clearance for the plane to depart, including an empty repositioning flight, until the necessary repairs could be completed.
Emergency teams accommodated 180 passengers
The source reported that the passengers could not enter Aruba because they did not have the visas required to pass immigration. Aruba’s Crisis Management Office was activated, working with the Red Cross and airport personnel to establish a temporary sleeping area inside the airport.
Teams set up 180 field beds and supplied bedding, pillows and personal-hygiene items for a group that included adults, children and older passengers.
Airline must arrange onward travel
The passengers were expected to remain in the airport area while Aruba Airlines arranged another aircraft or awaited parts needed to repair the grounded plane. Guyana remained their final destination.
Source: 24ora
