Martinique’s Airport Closes as Violent Protesters Overrun Tarmac
Key Points(5)
- Hundreds of passengers are stranded on the French Caribbean island of Martinique after its international airport was forced to close due to protesters overrunning the tarmac and attempting to break into the facility, according to local authorities.
- The International Airport of Martinique, Aimé Césaire, announced on Facebook Thursday night that “no departing or arriving flights will be operated” until further notice.
- Earlier that day, protesters stormed the airport in Fort-de-France, trying to force their way through the main entrance, where many passengers had taken shelter.
- Videos shared on social media show police securing the entrance, fending off assaults from demonstrators, and deploying what appears to be tear gas in response.
- Three planes carrying approximately 1,000 passengers were diverted to the nearby island of Guadeloupe on Thursday, according to a statement from the Martinique local prefecture.
Hundreds of passengers are stranded on the French Caribbean island of Martinique after its international airport was forced to close due to protesters overrunning the tarmac and attempting to break into the facility, according to local authorities.
The International Airport of Martinique, Aimé Césaire, announced on Facebook Thursday night that “no departing or arriving flights will be operated” until further notice.
Earlier that day, protesters stormed the airport in Fort-de-France, trying to force their way through the main entrance, where many passengers had taken shelter. Videos shared on social media show police securing the entrance, fending off assaults from demonstrators, and deploying what appears to be tear gas in response.
Three planes carrying approximately 1,000 passengers were diverted to the nearby island of Guadeloupe on Thursday, according to a statement from the Martinique local prefecture. Additionally, around 500 passengers who were scheduled to board those flights found themselves stranded at Fort-de-France airport.
The prefecture noted that the surge of protesters at the airport was triggered by “rumors” circulating on social media regarding the imminent arrival of hundreds of French police officers by plane. “This completely false information is at the origin of the gatherings and the invasion of the airport runway,” the statement explained.
Since Monday night, Martinique has been engulfed in protests over the high cost of living, which have escalated into violence, resulting in at least one fatality. Demonstrators have set fire to a police station, vehicles, and road barricades, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
This week, nearly a dozen officers have been injured as protesters hurled bottles and rocks, prompting police to respond with tear gas. Reports indicate that some demonstrators even opened fire, further escalating tensions. In response to the violence, the government has imposed a curfew and reiterated that demonstrations on public roads are prohibited.
These protests are part of a broader wave of unrest that began in early September, leading France to deploy special anti-riot police to the island and impose bans on demonstrations in specific areas. Martinique has experienced similar protests in recent years, driven by frustrations over economic, social, and racial inequalities.
