A United States citizen armed with a knife attempted to hijack a small plane in Belize on Thursday, April 17, 2025, but was shot dead by a passenger, local authorities reported. The Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft of Belizean airline Tropic Air had taken off in the morning with 16 people on board from Corozal, bound for the island of San Pedro, when the hijacker threatened the pilot and ordered him to fly out of the country.
The plane circled for nearly two hours over the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, finally landing just as it was about to run out of fuel. During this tense period, the hijacker stabbed two other passengers, but one of them managed to fire back at him with a licensed weapon, according to media reports.
“Shortly after lifting off the runway, the aircraft was hijacked by a passenger on board, a U.S. citizen. He appears to be a war veteran,” said Police Commissioner Chester Williams to Channel 5. “According to our information, this hijacker demanded to be taken out of the country,” the officer added at the Philip S. W. Goldson Airport.
The hijacker was identified as 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor. The pilot and two passengers were injured in the incident, including the man who shot Taylor, who, according to authorities, held a valid firearms license.
The government of Belize has launched an investigation into the case and strengthened security measures at all its airports. “This is an extraordinary and rare circumstance,” it noted in a statement.
The U.S. Embassy in Belize expressed regret over the incident, which occurred on the eve of the long Easter holiday. “We want Belize and the region to remain safe, not only for Belizeans but also for the many Americans who travel or reside here,” Embassy Public Affairs Officer Luke Martin told reporters. Martin added that the diplomatic mission had no contact with Taylor during the incident nor was aware of his presence in Belize.
“We maintain a strong relationship with Belizean law enforcement, and at moments like this, that collaboration is crucial,” the official said.
Philip S. W. Goldson Airport remained temporarily closed during the incident, but operations were later restored. In a related incident, the hijacker had previously been denied entry into Belize, raising questions about how he managed to board the flight with a knife and how a passenger was able to carry a loaded weapon on board.
Reports indicate that police were in contact with one of the passengers during the hijacking, who was sending text messages about the situation on board. Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air Belize, praised the pilot as a hero, stating, “Today we appreciate the courage, skill, and leadership that safely brought our aircraft home.”
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that the U.S. government is monitoring the situation and cooperating with Belizean authorities. She expressed relief that the incident did not result in more severe consequences.
As the investigation continues, local media have reported conflicting accounts about the events that transpired during the hijacking. Authorities are focused on determining how the hijacker was able to bring a knife onto the plane and how a passenger managed to carry a firearm on board.
Despite the chaos, the passengers and crew of the Tropic Air flight demonstrated remarkable resilience. The incident has raised serious concerns about airport security in Belize, prompting the government to review its protocols.
In light of this event, travelers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities at airports. The Belizean government has reassured the public that it is committed to ensuring safety and security for all who travel within its borders.
As investigations unfold, the focus remains on enhancing safety measures and preventing such incidents in the future. The community in Belize is rallying together, emphasizing the importance of safety and security in the wake of this alarming event.
