Queen Mathilde of Belgium recently experienced an unexpected disruption during her long-haul flight to Costa Rica. A routine journey turned into a priority landing when a crack was discovered in the cockpit windshield of the aircraft.
The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which departed from Amsterdam, had to make an emergency landing upon arrival in San José.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, the passengers, including the Belgian Queen, remained unaware of the issue until after landing. The airline later assured the public that there was no immediate risk to anyone on board.
Incident During the Flight
The KLM flight carrying Queen Mathilde took off from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and was bound for San José, Costa Rica. This 11-hour flight was part of the Queen’s official visit, organized by UNICEF, to support childcare facilities in vulnerable areas of the country.
However, during the journey, a significant issue arose. A crack appeared on the left side of the cockpit windshield of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, an aircraft that had been in operation since 2016.
Despite this alarming technical failure, the pilots managed to control the situation without causing panic among passengers. There were no in-flight announcements regarding the damage, and no visible distress signs from the crew. The aircraft proceeded as scheduled, with only a minor delay of 20 minutes at departure.
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Some turbulence was experienced en route, but it was not deemed unusual for a long-haul flight. Upon nearing San José, the pilots requested a priority landing due to the damaged windshield. The aircraft safely landed 11 minutes ahead of schedule at 5:00 PM local time.
Reaction and Aftermath
One of the passengers on board was Belgian royal commentator Wim Dehandschutter, who was traveling as part of the media contingent covering the Queen’s visit. He later expressed his surprise upon learning about the emergency landing, stating that none of the passengers had been informed of the issue during the flight.
According to Dehandschutter, the flight had proceeded smoothly apart from some turbulence and a hard landing. It was only after disembarking that he and the rest of the passengers realized the gravity of the situation.
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Aviation expert @fl360aero posted an image of the damaged windshield on social media, confirming that the crack was on the left side of the cockpit.
The aircraft was immediately taken out of service upon arrival in Costa Rica to undergo necessary repairs. KLM Airlines later released a statement assuring the public that the passengers and crew were never in any real danger. The airline emphasized that their safety protocols had been followed meticulously, ensuring that the aircraft landed without incident.
Queen Mathilde’s Visit to Costa Rica
Queen Mathilde’s visit to Costa Rica remained on schedule despite the emergency landing. Her trip, organized by UNICEF, aimed to support the Costa Rican government’s efforts in establishing childcare facilities in underprivileged areas.
As part of her itinerary, she visited La Cometa, a public childcare center located in Tirrases, a district in the province of San José. The Queen also toured the Lloverá Foundation, an organization dedicated to aiding and rehabilitating homeless individuals in Costa Rica.
Another significant stop on her visit was a coffee plantation that provides support for the children of seasonal workers. The Queen actively engaged with local families and children, emphasizing the importance of education and social support for vulnerable communities.
Throughout her visit, the Belgian Royal Family’s official social media accounts posted updates and pictures, showcasing Queen Mathilde’s interactions with Costa Rican citizens. Her humanitarian efforts were widely appreciated, reinforcing the strong diplomatic ties between Belgium and Costa Rica.
The Queen is expected to complete her official engagements and return to Belgium on Wednesday. Despite the unforeseen circumstances during her flight, her visit has been deemed successful in advancing UNICEF’s mission and promoting social welfare in Costa Rica.
While the cracked windshield incident raised concerns about aircraft safety, the effective handling of the situation by the KLM crew ensured a safe outcome.
This event highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety checks in aviation, particularly when carrying high-profile passengers. The aircraft remains grounded in Costa Rica for repairs before it can resume service. Meanwhile, Queen Mathilde continues her advocacy work, undeterred by the minor setback on her journey.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏