About 20 minutes after takeoff, Cayman Airways flight 102 turned back to Owen Roberts International Airport and landed safely in Grand Cayman after the pilots had discovered an issue with a non-structural outer pane and decided not to continue onto Miami, said Olivia Scott Ramirez, marketing and public relations manager for Cayman Airways.
The Boeing 737 aircraft was taken out of service for maintenance, Mrs. Ramirez said. The passengers were transferred to another plane, which departed for Miami at 10am.
Flight KX102 departs Grand Cayman each day at 7.50am bound for Miami International Airport.
“This situation did not constitute an emergency and the aircraft could have safely continued its journey without incident,” Mrs. Ramirez said. “However, in an abundance of caution, Captain Gary Hydes, assisted by First Officer Perry Watler, chose to return to Grand Cayman.”
The outer pane has no structural significance, but provides a scratch resistant surface, according to a Boeing 737 systems review document. A conductive coating on the outer pane permits electrical heating to prevent ice build-up and window fogging.
Cayman Airways confirmed delays of up to one hour were expected for the rest of the day on its routes to Miami and Havana, Cuba.
“Cayman Airways sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this may have caused passengers, and thanks them for their patience and continued support,” Mrs. Ramirez said.
Related Videos
