The plane , a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 , registration HK-4374X , was en route from Tocumen International Airport ( PTY ) in Panama City , Panama to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport ( FDF ) in Fort-de-France , Martinique , France .

By 9 February , the entire island was in British hands except Fort Desaix , a powerful position intended to protect Defending the capital Fort-de-France , which had been bypassed Self_motion during the British advance .