The shocking hijacking of a domestic Tropic Air flight, today, April 17, has sent ripples across Belize, not just as a tragic event, but as a wake-up call for national security. With one person dead, three injured, and a nation left stunned, many are now asking: how could this happen, and what needs to change?
The Incident That Changed Everything – The hijacking, the first of its kind in Belizean history, involved a U.S. national, Akinyela Sawa Taylor, who smuggled a knife aboard a flight from Corozal to San Pedro. During the flight, Taylor launched a violent attack, injuring the pilot and two passengers before being fatally shot by one of the victims—Fitzgerald Brown, a licensed firearm holder. The plane eventually landed safely at Philip Goldson International Airport.
The swift and courageous response from passengers and pilot no doubt prevented a far worse outcome. But the deeper concern now lies in how a hijacker was able to board an aircraft with a deadly weapon—and do so after having reportedly been denied entry into Belize earlier this year.
Images from inside the plane of injured Jair Castañeda and Fitzgerald Brown. Both, including Pilot Howell Grange were seriously injured but are recovering at a hospital in Belize City.
Cracks in the System
Belize’s domestic flights are typically informal, quick, and community-trusted—characteristics that have long defined the local travel experience, no fuss, no worries. Heightened security checks with scanners are a norm at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. However, this incident exposes potential gaps in security screening for small aircraft, especially at regional airports like Corozal.
There are now pressing questions about:
- Lack of passenger screening at regional airports.
- Poor inter-agency communication, particularly between immigration, police, and aviation authorities.
- Monitoring failures involving individuals previously flagged or denied entry into the country.
National Security Under Review
Intense images on the tarmac at the Philip Goldson International Airport as the hijacked plane lands and passengers are taken to safety
In the aftermath of the attack, Belizean authorities have vowed to reevaluate aviation security and expand protocols across all airports—not just international hubs. The Civil Aviation Department is reportedly working with local airlines and international partners to review current procedures.
The Belize Airports Authority explained that it has comprehensive plans to implement enhanced security protocols such as passenger bag checks and the installation of scanning equipment have been in effect since January 2025. These initiatives are not a direct response to the recent event, but rather part of a proactive and long-term strategy to elevate safety standards across the aerodromes.
More broadly, the incident raises concerns about how Belize monitors individuals entering or re-entering the country, particularly those with concerning backgrounds. Taylor, according to reports, was a U.S. veteran who may have had mental health challenges and a history of erratic behavior. How he reentered the country and acquired a weapon remains under investigation.
A Chance to Strengthen, Not Fear
While the incident is undeniably alarming, it also presents an opportunity. Belize has long enjoyed relative peace in its skies and airports—this event, while tragic, is not a reflection of widespread instability, but rather a warning shot.
The response from everyday Belizeans—the pilot, the passengers, the emergency responders—shows the strength and unity of the community. Now it’s time for the infrastructure to catch up. By learning from this experience, implementing better screening, improving inter-agency communication, and investing in training for frontline personnel, Belize can ensure that such a terrifying event never happens again. “This was not just a hijacking — it was a warning. One that says, if we don’t act now, we risk far worse in the future.”
What Comes Next?
As investigations continue and the nation processes the trauma, one thing is clear: Belize’s approach to national security must evolve. The safety of domestic travel, the integrity of immigration controls, and the resilience of our response systems are all now under the spotlight. This may have been the country’s first hijacking — but with swift action and collective resolve, it can be the last.
Belize’s First Plane Hijacking: What Happened?
The flight, operated by a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX registered as V3-HIG, departed from Corozal Airport en route to John Greif II Airport in San Pedro. Shortly after takeoff, a U.S. national, identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, brandished a knife and attempted to hijack the aircraft, demanding to be flown out of the country, possibly to Mexico or the United States.
During the hijacking, Taylor stabbed two passengers and the pilot. One of the injured passengers, Fitzgerald Brown, who was legally carrying a firearm, managed to fatally shoot Taylor in self-defense despite sustaining critical injuries.
Emergency Response and Landing – The aircraft flew erratically for nearly two hours, monitored by Belizean authorities and a helicopter. Eventually, the plane landed safely at Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville. Belizean officials praised the pilot and passengers for their bravery and quick thinking, which prevented further casualties. The pilot and the two injured passengers were hospitalized, with Brown remaining in critical condition.
Public Reaction and Heroism
The actions of Fitzgerald Brown have been widely hailed as heroic. Commissioner Williams praised Brown’s bravery, stating, “We are praying for him. He’s our hero.”
Tropic Air CEO Maximillian Greif commended the pilot’s composure during the crisis, noting that his actions were “nothing short of heroic.” (Click here for Tropic Air Press Release)
