Alert pilots of a Philippine Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles saved the lives of 355 passengers and its crew when they diverted the flight to Haneda after detecting smoke from an air-conditioning unit.
Initial reports showed that PAL Flight PR102, which departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday, April 9, diverted to Haneda Airport due to initial findings of smoke emitting from one of two air conditioning units.
PAL management confirmed this, saying the Boeing 777—with registry number RPC 7782—carrying 355 passengers landed safely.
“Passengers currently remain on board as we work closely with airport authorities in Haneda to ensure a smooth and safe disembarkation,” the airline stated.
“Rest assured that we are in full coordination with Philippine government authorities through the office of the Department of Transportation secretary and local airport authorities in Haneda,” it added.
The airline assured that it will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
On Thursday, one of the passengers posted on his Facebook account, “Hi everybody. Our PAL MNL PR 102 to LAX flight diverted to Haneda, Tokyo, due to cabin smoke.”
In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon assured the public that all passengers and crew on board PAL PR102 were safe.
Dizon said aircraft doors were opened for ventilation after the incident and the plane underwent inspection. He added that the DOTr is working with PAL and Haneda Airport to assist the affected passengers.