THE Ministry of National Security has moved to allay fears about an aircraft which arrived in the island last Thursday carrying more than 200 passengers, the majority of them Indians, has reported that they and crew are accounted for and are scheduled to leave the island this morning.

According to the ministry, a German-registered aircraft with 253 passengers, including crew members, arrived in Jamaica having received the requisite approvals for operation from Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.

“Despite having arrangements in place for accommodation and departure from the country the passengers were refused entry by immigration officials, based on security concerns uncovered during their processing at the airport.

“The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, has been leading the operational response since their arrival,” said the ministry.

The ministry pointed out that passenger flights are routinely screened by local authorities for security threats, possible breaches of law and/or regulations.

“In this instance, while the ministry was alerted to the operation of the flight based on what appeared to be anomalies and missing details from its initial permit application, the necessary supporting documents were later supplied to satisfy the requirements for obtaining a permit to operate to Jamaica.

“Notwithstanding, the ministry continued to consult with law enforcement while the flight received clearance to operate, and the immigration authorities undertook pre-screening activities, as per standard operating procedures,” said the security ministry

It added that when the flight landed in Jamaica it was discovered that there were two passengers on the flight who did not appear on the submitted passenger manifest.

“This led to further investigations by PICA and, based on those enhanced checks, the decision was taken by PICA not to grant the passengers leave to land in Jamaica. Given the duration of the flight, as well as civil aviation regulations for the minimum rest period before clearance is given to safely operate, it was deemed impractical to detain the passengers in the plane or at the airport,” the ministry said.

The ministry noted that the passengers and crew had reservations at a hotel in downtown Kingston and, on that basis, they were allowed to leave the airport on humanitarian grounds and were escorted to the hotel by law enforcement and immigration personnel.

“This form of supervised release is in keeping with the provisions of the Immigration Restriction (Commonwealth Citizens) Act and Aliens Act,” added the ministry as it underscored that the cost of their accommodation and return will solely be the responsibility of the charter company and not the Government of Jamaica.