Passengers on a flight from Jamaica to Florida were warned to expect a water emergency on Saturday due to a suspected mechanical issue.
Flight NK270 took off from Montego Bay on Saturday afternoon, heading to Fort Lauderdale, but returned to Montego Bay shortly after takeoff "due to a suspected mechanical issue," according to the airlines’ statement.
Out of an abundance of caution, the airline instructed passengers to put on life vests and prepare for a water landing.
"The pilot told us to prepare for a water landing, and the highest emergency was activated at MBJ," one passenger told a Jamaican daily newspaper, adding, "We were told the aircraft had lost pressure." The traveller adds, "It was nerve-racking."
The Airbus A321 landed safely at Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ), and passengers disembarked normally, according to the airline, adding that "the mechanical issue did not affect flight safety." According to FlightAware data, passengers were transferred to a new flight to Fort Lauderdale, arriving slightly under 45 minutes later than scheduled.
The airline stated that the aircraft would be extensively inspected by its maintenance personnel. "We apologise to our guests for any inconvenience," the airline started.
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U.S.: Passengers scare after water emergency issue on Florida-bound flight
