New Video Air France Returns to PJIA Airport St Maarten Engine On Fire
New Video Air France returns to PJIA Airport St Maarten
INCIDENT: Air France #AF498 (Airbus A330-200 F-GZCK) landed in the last hour at St Maarten & stopped on the runway due to a cargo hold smoke warning indication on approach (via ATC). Inspected by Fire Services then taxied to gate.
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Official Statement: Incident Involving Air France Flight AF498 at PJIA
Today at approximately 13:20, Air Traffic Control notified Airport Operations of a smoke alert in the cargo compartment of Air France flight AF498 during its final approach to Princess Juliana International Airport.
Upon landing, our Rescue and Firefighting (RFF) team conducted an initial assessment and found no visible smoke. The aircraft was cleared to taxi to its gate, where all 105 passengers were safely disembarked as a precautionary measure.
A further inspection revealed damage to dangerous goods within the cargo compartment. The affected cargo was safely removed for investigation in line with established protocols.
RFF personnel conducted a full safety inspection of the aircraft, and at 15:28, the aircraft was officially declared all clear.
Throughout the incident, PJIAE teams worked closely with Air France and emergency services to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew.
Passenger safety is always our highest priority, and we thank everyone for their cooperation and calm during the event.
An Air France plane flying into Sint Maarten had a brief scare on Friday, May 9, when a smoke warning went off just before landing. The Airbus A330-200, operating as flight AF498 from Paris to Princess Juliana International Airport, sent out a request for immediate assistance from the airport fire department.
The aircraft, tail number F-GZCK, had been descending toward the famous Caribbean runway when the cockpit crew received an alert about possible smoke in the cargo hold. Pilots quickly radioed ground control, requesting emergency support on the ground. Fire trucks stood ready on the tarmac as the aircraft touched down safely.
“The crew followed procedure to the letter,” said a spokesperson for Air France. “They declared a priority landing and requested assistance out of an abundance of caution. Safety remains our top priority.”
According to initial reports, the warning was linked to the detection of fumes believed to be chemical in nature. While the crew remained calm and professional, the alert triggered full precautionary protocols. Once the aircraft came to a stop, fire crews moved in to assess the situation.
Fortunately, there was no visible fire, and the inspection revealed no immediate threat. The aircraft taxied to its designated parking position under escort. Firefighters conducted a full sweep of the cargo area to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
“There was a smell, but no smoke visible in the cabin,” said Emma Thomas, a passenger seated near the rear of the plane. “The crew didn’t seem alarmed, but we could see the fire trucks outside waiting. That’s when we knew something was up.”
Passengers remained largely unaware of the full situation until after landing. While some noticed the emergency vehicles and flashing lights, the cabin crew provided calm, measured updates. Once cleared, travelers disembarked normally and collected their luggage without delay.
Airport operations continued without interruption, and the runway reopened shortly after the aircraft’s inspection. Local officials praised both the crew and ground personnel for their quick coordination.
“Everything went as it should in this type of situation,” said one of the airport firefighters, speaking anonymously. “There were protocols, and everyone followed them. That’s why it ended calmly.” http://www.stmaartennews.ai
Although no injuries occurred and the aircraft sustained no damage, aviation authorities will carry out a routine investigation. They will review cargo logs and aircraft systems to determine what triggered the alarm. Early indications suggest a chemical shipment may have reacted during the flight, releasing fumes.
Princess Juliana International Airport is famous for its low-altitude landings just above Maho Beach. On Friday, beachgoers and plane spotters saw an unusual scene—emergency crews lining the runway as the wide-body jet approached.
Flight AF498 is a regular service between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Sint Maarten. The Airbus A330-200, known for long-haul performance and fuel efficiency, is a staple of Air France’s fleet. The aircraft involved, F-GZCK, has an otherwise clean operational record.
The incident serves as a reminder of how aviation safety systems are designed to detect and respond to even the smallest sign of trouble. In this case, everything worked exactly as it should—quick action, a safe landing, and passengers walking away with only a story to tell. http://www.sxmnews.ai