Avianca aircraft aborts landing in Guatemala due to pyrotechnics

An Avianca aircraft was forced to perform a go-around maneuver at Mundo Maya International Airport in Petén, Guatemala, after the crew detected pyrotechnics in its final approach path. The incident occurred on the night of Monday, September 14, during national independence celebrations.

The General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) reported that the pilots executed the safety procedure as a preventive measure. Following the aborted landing, the aircraft rejoined the landing circuit and successfully completed a second approach, landing safely without reported injuries or damage to the plane.

The DGAC has issued a warning to the public regarding the dangers of launching fireworks near airport flight paths. The authority noted that pyrotechnics can reduce pilot visibility, cause physical damage to aircraft, or necessitate emergency evasive maneuvers.