A Surinam Airways long-haul flight from Amsterdam to Paramaribo had to return to Schiphol Airport shortly after takeoff on May 8, 2026. The reason for the aborted flight PY993 was a technical defect in the landing gear system of the Airbus A340-600. The crew noticed immediately after takeoff that the landing gear doors could not be closed properly.
Because the open flaps caused significant aerodynamic drag, fuel consumption increased so dramatically that a safe transatlantic crossing within the prescribed operating limits could no longer be guaranteed. The pilots therefore decided to turn back as a precaution.
The aircraft in question, a former Lufthansa plane, is currently operated by the German charter company Universal Sky Carrier for Surinam Airways under a wet-lease agreement. Following its safe landing in Amsterdam, extensive technical inspections were initiated. Due to mandatory rest periods for the crew and the time required to rectify the issue, the flight could not resume that same day. Passengers were rebooked for Sunday, May 10. Such incidents are particularly damaging for the airline, as the connection between the Netherlands and Suriname is of vital economic importance to the company, and the flight schedule, due to limited fleet capacity, allows little room for delays.
Surinam Airways has been using the Airbus A340-600 for some time to maintain the stability of its vital transatlantic route, following repeated challenges with its fleet modernization efforts in the past. While the aircraft type is considered high-performing on long-haul routes, its four engines and complex hydraulic systems make it maintenance-intensive. Universal Sky Carrier provides both the aircraft and crew under this leasing arrangement and is responsible for technical maintenance. This incident highlights the operational risks associated with using older long-haul aircraft on critical core routes, particularly when alternative aircraft are not readily available.
Aviation authorities are now more closely monitoring the aircraft’s maintenance logs to rule out recurring defects in the landing gear hydraulics. For Surinam Airways, the incident means not only additional costs for passenger assistance and fuel losses, but also increased logistical effort in coordinating the return flight from Paramaribo. Since capacity on this route is traditionally heavily utilized, a two-day delay usually triggers a chain reaction across the entire flight schedule for the following week. The company is currently working to stabilize flight operations through closer coordination with its leasing partner.