A flight operated by the TUI fly airline from Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, to Amsterdam had to make an unforeseen landing on the island of Curaçao last night, because of cracks in the cockpit window.
It is not yet clear when the passengers will be able to continue their trip. In the meantime, they are being accommodated in hotels, a spokesperson for TUI Netherlands confirmed to the Belga News Agency.
The Boeing 787 had taken off from Punta Cana and was due to fly to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, via Bonaire. However, the aircraft diverted to Curaçao airport after the pilot noticed cracks in the cockpit window.
The 300 passengers were unharmed, but it remains unclear when they will be able to continue their journey. "Safety has the highest priority, so the window must first be repaired before the aircraft can take to the airspace again," the spokesperson said.
The tour operator has not yet been able to find accommodation for all passengers. Due to the many Easter celebrations on Curaçao, the hotels are almost full, according to TUI.
Rooms have been found for 200 people, but another 100 travellers are still waiting. TUI keeps looking "with all hands on deck" for hotel rooms and the travellers are kept informed by text messages.
Belgian travellers are reportedly on board, but TUI Netherlands cannot give an exact number.
