A PHILIPPINE Airlines plane with more than 200 people on board on its way to Manila made an emergency landing and returned to an airport in Australia after it encountered technical problems on Sunday.
Australian news reported the flight PR212, which was about to arrive in Manila around 5 p.m. Monday, left the Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney at 1:06 p.m. but returned around 2:11 p.m. due to a technical issue.
It stated the plane was later towed away from the runway. No one was reported hurt in the incident.
Ma. Cielo Villaluna, PAL External Communications chief and spokesperson, said the A340 aircraft—carrying 218 passengers on board and 14 flight crew (3 pilots/11 cabin crew)—landed safely at the airport and was subjected to a technical check.
No emergency landing happened, she clarified.
Villaluna said the passengers were given hotel accommodations and were being apprised of the situation.
Several affected passengers were rebooked on available PAL Sydney-Manila flights.
Other passengers have been booked on other airlines.
“Safety remains the cornerstone of PAL operations. The airline is seeking the understanding of its passengers as it focuses on ensuring the immediate return to operation of the aircraft,” she added.
Flight PR 212 connects Sydney, Australia to Manila, Philippines, taking off from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport and landing at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The flight distance is 6263 km/3891 miles and the average flight speed is 820 km/h/509 mph.
The average flight time is 7 hours and 38 minutes.