A Philippine Airlines (PAL) from Manila to Los Angeles was forced to make an emergency landing in Haneda airport, Japan, early Thursday morning after smoke was detected inside the cabin.
The incident involved PAL Flight PR 102, which departed from Manila but experienced a mid-air issue that prompted the crew to turn the plane around and land in Haneda for safety.
“‘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,” Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed during the DZRH’s Dos Por Dos interview.
All passengers and crews on board were reported safe.
Meanwhile, Dizon believed that many passengers were left 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 said aircraft doors were eventually opened to ventilate the cabin to ensure the welfare of the passengers.
“Nagpatulong po tayo sa PAL, at tingin ko nabuksan na nila unang-una ang pintuan para naman kung may usok doon ay maventilate naman ang usok. Hindi natin alam kung anong klaseng usok ‘yun,” Dizon stated.
The Transport chief said that they also sought assistance from Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya to help the PAL to provide proper accommodations for the passengers, as many of the passengers may not hold Japanese visas and are unable to exit the transit area.
“At the same ako ay tumawag na rin sa Japanese Ambassador kay Ambassador Endo kaninang umaga at nagpatulong na po ako at baka naman kahit kasi unschedule flight ito. Syempre yung mga ground handling napakabusy ng Haneda baka nahihirapan silang i-accommodate at iservice ang ating eroplano,” he said.
He further said that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has been directed to investigate the incident to determine the cause of the smoke and assess any lapses in airline procedures.
“Kargo ng ating mga airlines ang safety at comfort ng ating mga pasahero. Meron pong passengers rights ‘yan at mag demand tayo ng konting responsibility sa ating mga airlines para sa benefit ng ating mga pasahero,” Dizon stressed.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Airlines has yet to release an official statement regarding the possible cause of the incident or plans for the affected flight.
