An Eastern Airways charter flight veered off the runway at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The incident led to significant flight delays and diversions for several hours. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among the approximately 50 passengers and crew onboard the aircraft.
Key Takeaways
- Eastern Airways charter flight from Cuba went off Runway 6 at RSW.
- No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
- Runway was closed for over two hours, causing widespread flight delays and diversions.
- Around 50 people were on the Boeing 737-400 aircraft.
- Emergency services responded quickly to the scene.
Emergency Response and Runway Closure
The incident involved a Boeing 737-400 aircraft arriving from Havana, Cuba. It occurred shortly before 2:00 PM on Saturday. Passengers described a rough landing followed by the plane moving into the grass area adjacent to the runway.
Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, quickly responded to the scene on the tarmac. This rapid deployment ensured that all necessary support was available immediately after the event. The Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) confirmed that there was no fire.
Incident Details
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-400
- Origin: Havana, Cuba
- Destination: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Fort Myers
- Time of Incident: Before 2:00 PM EDT, Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Passengers: Approximately 50
Passenger Accounts of the Incident
Passengers onboard the Eastern Airways flight shared their experiences. Noemi Baez, one of the travelers, recounted the moments after landing. She stated that the pilots maneuvered the plane, but it then dropped into the grass. This action appeared to prevent a more serious accident.
"We were very scared, but we didn't scream or anything," one passenger told reporters, expressing relief that everyone was safe.
Another passenger confirmed the swift response of emergency personnel. "The airplane was well attended. All the people that needed to be there were there, the firefighters, the ambulances," the passenger noted.
Impact on Airport Operations
The runway at Southwest Florida International Airport was closed for more than two hours following the incident. This closure significantly disrupted airport operations. Many incoming flights were diverted to other airports, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. Passengers on these diverted flights eventually arrived in Fort Myers hours later than scheduled.
Outgoing flights also faced substantial delays. Airport departure boards displayed numerous altered schedules. Travelers waiting for their flights or picking up arriving passengers experienced extended waits.
Airport Protocols
When an incident like this occurs, airport authorities follow strict protocols. The primary goals are passenger safety, securing the scene, and investigating the cause. Runway closures are standard procedure to allow for emergency response, aircraft assessment, and safety checks. This ensures the runway is clear and safe for future operations.
Widespread Flight Delays and Diversions
The incident's ripple effect was felt across the airport. A man waiting to pick up his wife discovered her United flight from Denver had been rerouted. "I just found out that she was diverted back to Houston," he explained, highlighting the unexpected changes for many travelers.
The LCPA stated that the duration of flight operation delays would depend on the time needed to perform thorough safety checks. While the runway has since reopened, residual delays continued for several hours after the initial incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the cause of the Eastern Airways flight veering off the runway. Eastern Airways, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been contacted for more information. Details on the exact sequence of events leading to the incident are pending. These investigations typically examine factors such as weather conditions, pilot actions, and aircraft systems.
The quick evacuation of passengers from the plane and their shuttle to the main terminal were managed efficiently. This ensured their comfort and safety after the unexpected event. Officials reiterated that no mutual aid from external agencies was required, indicating that airport and local emergency services handled the situation effectively.
Future Updates and Traveler Information
TravModo will provide updates as more information becomes available from the investigating authorities. Travelers affected by delays or diversions are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline or through the Southwest Florida International Airport's official channels. Such incidents underscore the importance of robust safety procedures in aviation.
The incident at RSW serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in air travel and the critical role of emergency response teams. Despite the disruption, the lack of injuries is a positive outcome, reflecting effective safety measures and crew training.
