WestJet sent out a message earlier this morning with information on a flight they are sending to SXM loaded with relief supplies for the island. The airplane will pick up stranded Canadian citizens and return to Canada.
The flight will land at 3 PM and will depart SXM at approximately 4:30 PM, heading to Toronto.
They’re asking all Canadians that are interested in departing on this flight to register through Facebook Messenger, Twitter Direct Message or by contacting the WestJet call centre at 1-888-937-8538. The full text of the release is just below.
We are operating a rescue flight from St. Maarten (SXM) today. Know someone who needs to come home? Read this – https://t.co/3WKugWOMuc pic.twitter.com/5BtkiGVLL3
— WestJet (@WestJet) September 11, 2017
Here is the full text of the West Jet release with more information:
We are taking the unusual step of using our social media channels to reach out to any travellers who are currently in St. Maarten and are anxious to return home to Canada.
WestJet 4905 is operating a rescue flight leaving Toronto (YYZ) Monday, September 11 arriving in St. Maarten (SXM) at approximately 3:00pm local time. WestJet 4906 is scheduled to depart SXM at approximately 4:30pm to arrive in YYZ later this evening.
We understand the communication challenges you are facing. If you are able to communicate with us, we are asking guests in St. Maarten to register through Facebook Messenger, Twitter Direct Message or by contacting our call centre at 1-888-937-8538. In the event you are unable to reach us, we are asking guests to calmly make their way to the airport for 1:30pm local. Please understand that this is a very fluid situation and we, along with the various agencies involved, are doing our best to safely bring home as many people as possible understanding that the authorities are working on continued rescue efforts.
If you have friends or family in St. Maarten and you are in contact with them, you may register on their behalf through the channels noted above.
We will be assisted by the Canada Border Services Agency and the Dutch military who are in control of the airport. We will be prioritizing Canadians who register with us in advance; followed by Canadians who are not able to register in advance: followed by non-Canadians with a valid passport and have permission to travel to Canada.
We ask for your patience as we try to manage this situation.
Further information regarding these flights will be posted on Twitter and Facebook.
