A JetBlue Airways flight from New York to Puerto Rico experienced a delay of 20 minutes due to the presence of a disabled MQ-9 Reaper drone on the runway at Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Hernández (BQN) in Aguadilla. The Airbus A320, operating as flight B6 2839, departed from New York’s JFK Airport at 23:07 on January 1, 2024, approximately one hour and 17 minutes behind its scheduled departure time of 21:50.
Upon approaching BQN, the flight was put into a holding pattern above Bahia de Aguadilla while airport authorities worked to recover the military drone. The aircraft, operated by the U.S. Air Force, was reportedly stranded on the runway, necessitating the delay. After approximately 20 minutes, the JetBlue flight was cleared for landing and safely arrived at the airport, allowing passengers to disembark.
Flight Details and Further Operations
The Airbus A320, registered as N794JB and aged 14 years, touched down at BQN at 03:41. Following the brief stop, the aircraft resumed its schedule, departing as flight B6 2838 at 06:01 and arriving back in New York at 08:55. Information regarding the specifics of the MQ-9 Reaper incident remains limited, but reports indicate it was also known by the identifier SPARK21.
Rafael Hernández Airport is the second busiest airport in Puerto Rico, following San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Frontier Airlines and United Airlines, and facilitates significant cargo operations.
About the MQ-9 Reaper
The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude, remotely piloted aircraft primarily utilized by the U.S. Air Force, as well as several allied military forces, including the UK’s Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force. Designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, the Reaper can also carry weapons such as Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs, making it capable of precision strikes.
First activated on May 1, 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper has since been employed in various military operations, with its initial combat success occurring during a mission in Afghanistan on October 28, 2007. These aircraft are remotely controlled from ground stations and are equipped with advanced technology that allows operators to receive live video feeds, enabling flight from thousands of miles away.
The incident involving the JetBlue flight highlights the complexities of airport operations, particularly when military assets are involved. The collaboration between military and civilian aviation remains critical for ensuring safety and efficiency in air travel.
