Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas temporarily closed its only runway Wednesday following an incident involving a disabled plane. Port Authority VI said the runway closure was necessary to facilitate the safe removal of the aircraft from the airfield.

The plane, Fly the Whale Flight 130, took off from Sainte-Croix and landed safely at CEKA around 10:30 a.m. However, as he taxied toward his assigned boarding gate, the plane’s right front tire blew, rendering it immobile. The plane was carrying nine passengers and a pilot, all of whom exited the plane safely and reported no injuries.

VIPA said its teams removed the plane from the runway and estimated a reopening time of 1 p.m. the same day. The incident delayed flights until the runway was clear. VIPA expressed its regret for any inconvenience caused.