Flight PR116 departed Manila on Sept. 8 for Vancouver before making the unscheduled diversion, PAL said in an official statement dated Sept. 9. The airline said the aircraft landed safely in Anchorage and that everyone on board was safe.
Cabin pressurization
Cabin pressurization systems maintain conditions needed for passengers and crew to travel safely at cruising altitude. An indication involving the system can require pilots to alter their flight plan and land at an alternate airport as a precaution.
PAL did not provide further details on the nature of the pressurization indication, the aircraft involved, the number of people on board or how long passengers would be delayed.
The carrier said the aircraft would undergo a “thorough technical assessment” following the diversion.
What PAL is doing
PAL said it is providing assistance to passengers and crew while arranging their onward travel to Vancouver.
“We understand that an unexpected diversion can be a difficult and unsettling experience, particularly for our passengers and their families. We apologize for the inconvenience and disruption this has caused. Our teams are working closely with those affected to provide the assistance they need and to get them to Vancouver as soon as practicable,” a statement from PAL said.
The airline did not specify whether passengers would continue their journey aboard the same aircraft after the technical assessment or be transferred to another flight.
No reported injuries
The incident disrupted one of PAL’s trans-Pacific services but ended with a safe landing and no reported injuries among passengers or crew.
“As safety comes before everything else, the flight crew followed established safety procedures and diverted the aircraft to Anchorage. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew on board are safe,” the statement said.
PAL added that “The safety and well-being of every passenger and crew member will always come first.” —Vanessa Hidalgo |Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
