Philippine Airlines flight makes emergency landing at Japan's Haneda Airport due to cabin smoke
A Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Los Angeles made an emergency landing at Haneda Airport in Japan after smoke was detected in the cabin.
Philippine Airlines confirmed the incident, saying that Flight PR102 departed on Wednesday, April 9 and had to be "diverted to Haneda Airport due to initial findings of smoke emitting from 1 of 2 air conditioning units."
The Boeing 777 aircraft, which was 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," it added. "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."
According to an ABS-CBN News report, Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said aircraft doors were opened for ventilation after the incident even as the plane was under inspection.
The agency added it's coordinating with PAL for other details, and it's in touch with Haneda Airport to assist the passengers.
“It’s difficult lang because ground handlers at HND [are] all working on the scheduled flights,” said Dizon.
Valerie Del Castillo, a passenger on the flight, told ABS-CBN News that she woke up to the smell of burning plastic during the flight.
“It was so bad. The smoke filled the air," Del Castillo is quoted as saying. "We all covered our mouths and noses as staff seemed to panic."
"I didn't panic until a representative came on the intercom announcing we will be looking for a place to emergency land the plane with a quivering voice. I could hear the fear in his words,” she continued.
Del Castillo said the crew distributed wet face towels as other passengers used their in-flight eye masks for added protection because the worsening smoke caused a burning sensation in their eyes. Eventually, they were informed about landing in Japan while the aircraft dumped fuel "for over half an hour."
According to the passenger, the smoke dissipated before arriving in Japan.
Jo Koy among passengers, cites electrical fire as cause for smoke
In the afternoon, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy revealed that he was one of the passengers of the PAL flight.
In his video, he can be seen in a restaurant with his fellow passengers.
"We did an emergency landing in Tokyo, Japan," he said.
"But, I'm gonna say this, the flight attendants of Philippine Airlines were amazing. You were amazing. Above and beyond, you guys were pros."
"Thank you for remaining calm in a situation that could have went south fast," he added. "But we are safe. We are in Tokyo, and our next flight is in nine hours so, we're gonna have some sake. I love you guys!"
In the caption of his video, Jo Koy also noted that cabin got filled with smoke due to electrical fire.
"We were on our way back to L.A. from Philippines when the entire cabin filled with smoke (due to electrical fire) we then made an emergency landing into Tokyo Japan," he said. "Hats off to the PAL flight attendants and pilots they were more than great. PS. Tell everyone you love them everyday. Mahal kita."
