The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has issued an official statement following Thursday morning’s dramatic hijacking of a Tropic Air flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro.
According to airport authorities, they were alerted around 8:30 a.m. to a possible hijacking involving a Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered V3-HIG, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members.
A full emergency response was immediately activated, with all relevant agencies mobilised. The aircraft flew erratically for nearly two hours before safely landing at PGIA at approximately 10:12 a.m.
Emergency responders quickly secured the scene and accounted for all passengers. Several were injured and have since been transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The hijacker, American man Akinyela Sawa Taylor, has been confirmed dead. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect’s motives and how he gained access to the flight.
Passengers are being interviewed to assist with the ongoing investigation. PGIA officials noted that regular flight operations resumed shortly after the incident.