Emergency services were on standby at Owen Roberts International Airport on Tuesday (14) afternoon for a full emergency at approx.12:15 pm.

The flight, American Airlines AA2173, was travelling from Miami to Panama when it was diverted to Grand Cayman because of mechanical issues with the flight. It landed without incident at 12.53pm.

The flight left Miami at 11.58pm and was scheduled to arrive at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City at 1.55pm.

The 737-800 jet aircraft had 147 people on board.

As a precaution fire crews from West Bay and Frank Sound also responded.

All roads leading to and around the airport were blocked by emergency personnel until the all clear was issued.

Although we have not been able to get official word what the mechanical issues were with the aircraft CITN/Cayman27 were reporting on their website that “there was something wrong with the fuel bypass system”.

The flight was diverted to Owen Roberts International Airport because that was the nearest International airport when the issue was discovered.

Photo: AA Boeing 737-800 flickr.