JetBlue Flight Delayed by Disabled Aircraft in Aguadilla Arrival

A JetBlue flight experienced a significant delay on its arrival in Puerto Rico due to an unexpected incident involving a disabled aircraft on the runway. The disruption was caused by an MQ-9 Reaper drone, operated by the U.S. Air Force, which required recovery.

Flight Details and Delay

Flight B6 2839 departed from New York’s JFK Airport on the night of January 1. Initially scheduled to take off at 9:50 PM, it departed 77 minutes late at 11:07 PM. After a standard journey south, the Airbus A320 encountered an issue upon reaching the vicinity of Aguadilla.

Holding Pattern Above Bahia de Aguadilla

• The flight was forced into a holding pattern for approximately 20 minutes.
• This was due to an MQ-9 Reaper, identified as SPARK21, which was inoperative on the runway at Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Hernández (BQN).
• Passengers were eventually able to disembark after landing at 3:41 AM.

Return Flight Information

Following the incident, the same Airbus A320, registered as N794JB, operated its return flight to New York as B6 2838. It departed from BQN at 6:01 AM and touched down in New York at 8:55 AM. This quick turnover attests to JetBlue’s operational efficiency post-incident.

Aguadilla Airport Overview

Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) plays a crucial role in Puerto Rico’s air traffic. It serves as the second busiest airport on the island, following San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. BQN also supports extensive cargo operations.

Airport Operations

• JetBlue offers flights from Fort Lauderdale and New York to BQN.
• Other airlines operating at the airport include Frontier and United Airlines.
• BQN boasts the longest runway in the Caribbean, measuring 11,702 feet.

About the MQ-9 Reaper

The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude, remotely piloted aircraft primarily utilized for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Equipped with advanced technologies, it can also carry weapons for precision strikes. The U.S. Air Force activated its first Reapers in May 2007.

Overall, the situation highlights the interaction between commercial aviation schedules and military operations, particularly at facilities like Rafael Hernández Airport.