A JetBlue Airways flight from New York to Puerto Rico experienced a delay due to the recovery of a disabled MQ-9 Reaper drone on the runway at Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Hernández (BQN). The flight, known as B6 2839, departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 23:07 on January 1, 2024, approximately one hour and 17 minutes behind its scheduled departure time of 21:50.
After a routine journey, the Airbus A320 was placed in a holding pattern above the Bahia de Aguadilla for about 20 minutes. The delay was caused by the MQ-9 Reaper, which had been rendered inoperable and was blocking the runway. Eventually, the JetBlue aircraft was cleared for landing and touched down safely at BQN, allowing passengers to disembark.
Flight Details and Subsequent Operations
The Airbus A320, with registration number N794JB, landed at BQN at 03:41 local time. Following the arrival, the aircraft was prepared for its return flight, operating as B6 2838. It departed at 06:01 and arrived back in New York at 08:55. While the cause of the MQ-9 Reaper’s malfunction remains unclear, its presence on the runway significantly impacted JetBlue’s schedule.
Rafael Hernández Airport is the second busiest airport in Puerto Rico, following Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. It serves as a hub for several airlines, including Frontier Airlines and United Airlines. The airport is also crucial for cargo operations, providing services to multiple carriers.
The MQ-9 Reaper and Its Role in Military Operations
The MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle primarily utilized by the United States Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It is capable of carrying weapons, including Hellfire missiles, and can be operated remotely from thousands of miles away. The aircraft is designed to provide real-time video feeds to operators, enhancing its effectiveness in various missions.
The U.S. Air Force first deployed the MQ-9 Reaper on May 1, 2007, with its initial operations based out of Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. Since then, the drone has been involved in numerous operations across the globe, including engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This incident highlights the intersection of civilian aviation and military operations, raising questions about air traffic management in situations involving military aircraft. JetBlue Airways has been contacted for further comments regarding the incident.
