MAURICE BISHOP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Grenada — A full JetBlue Airways flight bound for New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport was removed Thursday due to persistent mechanical problems, leaving passengers to wait nearly 24 hours for a replacement aircraft.

Originally scheduled to depart at approximately 3:00 PM local time, the flight experienced multiple delays throughout the afternoon before passengers were finally allowed to board at 6:09 PM.

However, while taxiing to the runway, the pilot decided to return to the gate due to mechanical concerns.

After returning to the gate, maintenance crews attempted to address the issue with passengers on board.

A subsequent announcement indicated a possible 7:39 PM departure, but these hopes were dashed when technical problems persisted.

Passengers were then asked to deplane to allow for a more thorough inspection.

Despite additional repair attempts with an empty aircraft, technicians could not resolve the mechanical issues.

JetBlue ultimately decided to remove the aircraft from service and announced that a replacement plane would arrive Friday at 11:00 AM to transport passengers to New York.

Passengers were given the option to return home or accept hotel vouchers from JetBlue, with reimbursement to be provided later.

One passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, praised the pilot’s transparency throughout the ordeal.

“He was very honest with us. He told us exactly what was happening because, you know, they will just give us the runaround,” the passenger said. For me, I appreciate that very much.”

JetBlue representatives-maintained communication with passengers throughout the delay via email updates.