Tire failure on an Arajet plane halts Punta Cana and diverts five flights to Las Américas

Punta Cana International Airport temporarily suspended operations on Thursday afternoon after an Arajet plane suffered a tire failure while landing, forcing at least five flights to be diverted to Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo.

The aircraft, Arajet flight DM 5101 from Miami, United States, touched down without incident but had to stop on the runway because of the faulty wheel, according to the airline and Dominican media. The incident happened while the tourist terminal was operating with only one of its two runways, as the second remains out of service for repair work.

There were no injuries: Arajet confirmed in a statement that all passengers and crew members disembarked in good health. The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) coordinated with the terminal on the flight diversions and the technical inspections. Preliminary reports estimated the airport could resume operations in about two hours, once the plane was removed from the runway.

Photo: 7días.com.do

Source: Arecoa and 7días.com.do