An Italian Blue Panorama B757-200 aircraft with 130 passengers and 8 crew on board landed safely at Seychelles International Airport Pointe Larue after it was declared an emergency 18 minutes after take-off from Seychelles.

Flight BPA3277 departed Seychelles International Airport at 0015 local time, for Rome Fumicino, slightly earlier than scheduled. At 0033 the pilot contacted the Seychelles air traffic control tower and declared an emergency due to a cracked passenger cabin window.

The aircraft was immediately cleared to return to Seychelles International Airport by air traffic control, who alerted Seychelles airport fire service and other authorities.

The aircraft landed safely at 0110 and proceeded to the parking bay where passengers disembarked and were taken to various hotels.

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has thanked all responders, especially the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency for their prompt response, saying that passenger safety remained their priority.

Seychelles is a sought-after holiday destination for Italian holiday makers, and the island’s Tourism Board was present at the airport to ensure that all the passengers from the Blue Panorama flight were well, safe, and cared for.

Air Seychelles has now confirmed that a replacement Blue Panorama aircraft is scheduled to land in Seychelles at 1900 this evening (Wednesday) and that it will depart to Rome at 2000.