News & Media

Operations resume to normal, following passenger evacuation due to smoke detection

SXM Airport

Simpson Bay, St. Maarten (July 9, 2019) – Passengers were requested to evacuate the terminal building, due to the wide-ranging sound of the evacuation notice on Tuesday July 9, 2019 at approximately 14:50pm.

Following reports of smoke which engulfed the Departure Screening Area, the Security Central immediately contacted the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Department (ARFF). The Airport Rescue and Firefighting Department immediately dispatched a unit to investigate the report. The Island Government’s Fire Department also carried out an assessment of the reported area. The cause of the smoke detection was later determined as an electrical defect to a microwave.

The alarm system was silenced at 14:56pm, during the ongoing investigation.

An “all clear-code green” was issued at approximately 15:19pm by the Airport Rescue and Firefighting department, who were also in consultation with the Island Government’s Fire department.

As there was no further threat to the building, the passengers were asked to return to the terminal at 15:25pm.

On behalf of the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.