Queen Mathilde's flight makes emergency landing due to cracked windshield
- A KLM flight carrying Queen Mathilde made an emergency landing in Costa Rica after a crack developed in the cockpit windshield.
- The incident occurred during an approximately 11-hour flight from Amsterdam, landing 11 minutes early.
- Despite the crack, passengers were reportedly unaware of any issues, and the safety of those on board was never compromised according to KLM.
On February 9, 2025, a flight carrying Queen Mathilde of Belgium was forced to make an emergency landing at San José Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica after the cockpit windshield of the Boeing 787-9 cracked. The flight, which originated from Amsterdam, was over 10 hours into its journey when the incident occurred, prompting the pilot to request a priority landing ahead of schedule. Despite the serious nature of the situation, passengers were reportedly unaware of any issues during the flight until after landing. Royal commentator Wim Dehandschutter, who was aboard, mentioned that the flight experienced some turbulence and a hard landing but no alarming events were noted by passengers during the trip. Upon arrival, the aircraft was confirmed by KLM to be safe and the welfare of the passengers and crew was never at risk. The airline also reported that no notification was given to passengers about the emergency during the flight or upon landing, highlighting a disconnect between the incident's seriousness and the passengers' experience. Queen Mathilde and KLM have since reassured the public regarding the safety procedures and protocols followed during the flight. The plane, built in 2016, is currently in Costa Rica awaiting needed repairs. The trip aims to assist the government of Costa Rica in establishing childcare facilities in vulnerable neighborhoods as part of a mission organized by Unicef. Queen Mathilde's engagement included several visits to local organizations, such as La Cometa, a public childcare center, and the Lloverá Foundation, which aids homeless individuals. Her presence is also intended to support coffee plantations that provide for the children of seasonal workers. The queen's humanitarian work is significant, demonstrating Belgium's commitment to helping improve the living conditions for children in the region. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in travel, particularly under conditions of high-profile individuals or critical missions. The quick response by KLM and the crew ensured the safety of all on board, while also prompting discussions about emergency protocols and passenger communication in similar situations, as such incidents can impact public perception and lead to increased scrutiny of airline practices.