Passengers on Spirit Airlines Flight Instructed to Prepare for Water Landing

A Spirit Airlines flight from Jamaica to Florida turned chaotic as passengers were instructed to brace for a potential emergency water landing after a suspected mechanical issue prompted the aircraft’s return to Montego Bay shortly after takeoff on Sunday.

Passenger Bettina Rogers captured footage of the plane’s takeoff, during which a chime sounded twice in the cabin, though its significance remained unclear.

Despite reassurances from the pilot that there was “nothing to be alarmed about” after the chimes, tensions rose when passengers were later informed of the need to return to the Montego Bay airport.

As the aircraft prepared for a potential emergency water landing, some passengers reportedly began to panic. However, the situation was managed according to normal procedures, and passengers disembarked safely before arrangements were made for a replacement aircraft to transport them to Fort Lauderdale.

Rogers, who eventually reached her destination in Atlanta without incident, described a tense atmosphere upon landing, with orange life vests strewn across the cabin floor. Spirit Airlines emphasized their commitment to safety, pledging a thorough evaluation of the aircraft by their maintenance team and expressing apologies for any inconvenience caused to passengers.