The Philippine Airlines (PAL) confirmed on Thursday that Flight PR102 bound for Los Angeles, USA, made an emergency landing at Haneda Airport in Japan due to smoke coming from an airconditioning unit.
"Philippine Airlines confirms that Flight PR102 – which departed from Manila on April 9, Wednesday en route to Los Angeles, diverted to Haneda Airport due to initial findings of smoke emitting from 1 of 2 air conditioning units," PAL said in a statement.
The Boeing 777 aircraft, with registry number RPC 7782, was carrying 355 passengers and landed safely.
Passengers remained onboard as PAL coordinated closely with airport authorities in Haneda to ensure a smooth and safe disembarkation.
"Rest assured that we are in full coordination with Philippine government authorities through the office of the DOTr Secretary and local airport authorities in Haneda. We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available," PAL added.
Earlier, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed to DZRH News that the flight experienced a "mid-air" issue that prompted the crew to turn the aircraft around and land in Haneda as a safety precaution.
"‘Yung PAL PR 102 na Manila to Los Angeles, nakakuha tayo ng report very early this morning, 5:00 ng umaga. Nagkaroon po ng aberya in flight, medyo usok na lumabas sa cabin at kailangan nito bumalik at nag-landing po ito sa Haneda sa Japan," Dizon said during DZRH's Dos Por Dos interview.
Dizon said many passengers were stressed and uncomfortable, with some reportedly stuck inside the aircraft for more than three to four hours following the emergency landing.
Authorities immediately coordinated with PAL, and aircraft doors were eventually opened to ventilate the cabin and ensure the welfare of the passengers.
The DOTr also sought assistance from Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya to help PAL provide proper accommodations for the passengers, especially those who may not hold Japanese visas and are unable to exit the transit area.
