The Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, USVI. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
Update: The airport has reopened, according to VIPA.
Original Story: ST. THOMAS — The runway at Cyril E. King Airport was temporarily closed this afternoon after a Fly the Whale aircraft experienced a flat tire, leaving it disabled on the airport’s only runway.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m., prompting an immediate response from emergency crews. V.I. Port Authority officials are currently working to tow the aircraft off the runway, after which a thorough inspection of the airstrip will be conducted before flights can resume.
According to VIPA, the closure is expected to last up to two hours, though it may reopen sooner depending on how quickly the aircraft is removed and safety assessments are completed.
With only one runway at CEKA, the situation is causing flight delays for both arrivals and departures. VIPA is advising all travelers to contact their airlines directly for the most up-to-date information on their flights.
The airport is expected to resume normal operations once the disabled aircraft is cleared and the runway is deemed safe for use.
