JetBlue Flight Delay Traced to Aircraft Issue in Aguadilla Causing 20-Minute Hold

JetBlue flight B6 2839 from New York JFK to Puerto Rico experienced a significant delay when it entered a 20-minute holding pattern above Bahia de Anguadilla. This was due to a disabled MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft obstructing the runway at Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN).

Originally scheduled to depart at 9:50 pm, the Airbus A320 eventually took off at 11:07 pm. The flight proceeded normally until the approach, where it was forced to circle before landing safely at 3:41 am local time. Passengers disembarked without incident after the delay.

Cause of Delay: Disabled MQ-9 Reaper on Runway

The MQ-9 Reaper, referred to as SPARK21, is a military drone used primarily by the United States Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. This particular aircraft was reportedly disabled on the runway surface at BQN, preventing an immediate landing clearance for the commercial flight.

Details remain unclear regarding how or why the Reaper became immobile on the runway. However, its presence required JetBlue to hold in the air until the situation was resolved. This safety measure is typical to ensure no risk to commercial air traffic during runway obstructions.

Flight and Airport Details

The Airbus A320 operating this flight, registered N794JB, is a 14-year-old aircraft. Despite the delay, the jet completed its return leg as B6 2838, pushing back from BQN at 6:01 am and arriving at JFK at 8:55 am.

Rafael Hernández Airport serves as Puerto Rico’s second busiest airport after San Juan and is a key gateway for both passenger and cargo operations. It boasts the longest runway in the Caribbean, extending over 11,700 feet, and accommodates a variety of carriers including Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines.

Cargo Operators at Rafael Hernández Airport

Several significant cargo operators utilize BQN for regional connections:

1. Air Cargo Carriers — routes include San Juan and Santiago de los Caballeros.
2. Ameriflight — services cover Barbados, Fort-de-France, Port of Spain, and other Caribbean destinations.
3. Emirates Sky Cargo — connects Amsterdam and Quito.
4. FedEx Express — operates logistics routes to Campinas, Memphis, and Santo Domingo.
5. FedEx Feeder — serves hubs including Castries and Port of Spain.

Additionally, BQN supports operations for the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection, reflecting its strategic importance beyond commercial flights.

About the MQ-9 Reaper

The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude remotely piloted aircraft used by the U.S Air Force and allied forces such as the UK, Italian, Spanish, and French air forces. Piloted from ground control stations, it streams live video via satellite and carries precision weaponry such as Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs.

Activated by the U.S. Air Force in 2007, these drones have been employed in various military operations globally. The Reaper’s capabilities for monitoring and targeted strikes make it a crucial asset in modern aerial warfare.

The presence of a disabled MQ-9 Reaper on a commercial runway highlights the complexities of shared military and civilian airspace use in regions with strategic military activities. It also underscores the need for strict air traffic coordination to ensure safety and minimize disruption to commercial operations.