Tropic Air Implements Stricter Security After Flight Hijacking

Tropic Air has rolled out stricter security measures at all domestic stations following the hijacking of one of its flights on 17 April by 49-year-old American veteran Akinyela Sawa Taylor.

Every passenger and personal item may be subject to a physical search,” the airline stated, adding that gate-check options are available “at NO CHARGE.”

Minors will be exempt from physical searches unless there is strong suspicion of carrying prohibited items. However, they must still “empty the contents of all pockets” and “lift garments that may conceal the waist area.”

Tropic Air says these steps reflect its “commitment to the safety and well-being” of its passengers and staff and promised continued updates on any future changes.

Taylor hijacked the flight after entering Belize just days earlier. Before the attack, he had caused several incidents, including assaulting a police officer, but was released. During the two-hour hijacking, he stabbed two passengers and the pilot. They survived. One of the passengers with a licensed gun shot and killed Taylor as the plane landed safely at the PGIA.