On the evening of Saturday, September 21, 2024, JetBlue Flight 1189, traveling from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to San Diego International Airport (SAN), made an emergency landing at Salina Regional Airport (SLN) due to an alert indicating possible smoke in the cargo hold. The Airbus A320, carrying 146 passengers and crew, safely landed on Runway 17 at approximately 6:30 PM CST.
The Salina Airport Authority (SAA) immediately initiated an "Alert III" emergency protocol, activating its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team, with support from the Salina Fire Department. All passengers were safely deplaned and transported to the M.J. Kennedy Terminal via shuttle buses from AvFlight Salina FBO.
Upon inspection by mechanics from 1 Vision Aviation, no signs of smoke or fire were found, and the alert was determined to be a false alarm. While passengers awaited a replacement flight, they were provided with food, water, and other amenities, with staff going above and beyond to ensure their comfort.
A JetBlue rescue flight arrived at Salina Regional Airport around 1:30 AM CST on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The replacement aircraft departed with passengers at 3:00 AM CST, continuing the flight to San Diego.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a routine investigation into the incident.
