A Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight carrying 359 passengers and 18 crew members bound for Los Angeles, California last April 9 was diverted to Haneda airport in Tokyo after smoke was found emitting from one of two air conditioning units of the aircraft.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna confirmed that Flight PR102 departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Wednesday, April 9 en route to Los Angeles, California, was diverted to Haneda Airport.
“The PAL Boeing 777, with registry number RPC 7782 landed safely, passengers currently remain on board as we work closely with airport authorities in Haneda to ensure smooth and safe disembarkation,” Villaluna said.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), yesterday issued a show cause order to the carrier to explain why the flight was diverted, as well as respond to a report that upon landing at Haneda airport, no ground personnel or transport support were available to assist the passengers.
All the passengers, flight deck and cabin crew members safely disembarked from the aircraft after nearly seven hours.
Earlier, the DOTr coordinated with Haneda airport to provide support for the affected passengers and ensure their safe disembarkation.
“As you are aware, under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APRB), passengers are entitled to timely assistance, accommodation and information during delays, cancellations and diversion. Furthermore, existing advisories issued by this office require airlines to ensure that adequate ground handling support is in place to adequately assist passengers in cases of flight disruptions.” CAB said.
“You are hereby directed to submit your reply/comment no later than 4:30 p.m. today, April 10,” Carmelo Arcilla, CAB executive director, said.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to investigate the incident.
PAL, in a statement, said, “The flight landed safely at Haneda at 3:30 a.m. local time. Following several requests, the aircraft was finally assigned a disembarkation gate at 10 a.m.”
“Our ground operations team at Tokyo Haneda airport is providing full support, including meals, baggage assistance, and arranging alternative flights to help passengers continue their journey,” PAL added.
PAL added that it prioritizes safety above all else and is fully cooperating with the relevant airport and aviation authorities.
PAL gave the assurance that they are in full coordination with the Philippine government through the office of the DOTR secretary and local airport authorities in Haneda.
“We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available,” Villaluna said.
