Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Thursday assured that all 355 passengers aboard its Los Angeles-bound flight are safe after the aircraft made an emergency landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport due to smoke detected in the cabin.
Flight PR102, a Boeing 777 with registry number RP-C7782, departed Manila on April 9 and was diverted to Haneda following “initial findings of smoke emitting from one of two air conditioning units,” PAL said.
“The aircraft landed safely,” the airline added. “Passengers currently remain on board as we work closely with airport authorities in Haneda to ensure a smooth and safe disembarkation.”
In a public interview this morning, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also confirmed the incident, saying, “All passengers of PAL Flight PR102 are safe.”
He said authorities received the report around 5 AM after smoke was observed in the cabin, prompting the diversion.
“The passengers have now been inside the aircraft for more than three, maybe even four hours. I know it’s been very difficult for them,” he said.
Dizon said he coordinated with PAL to open the aircraft doors for ventilation. “We don’t know what kind of smoke it was, so it was important to release it,” he added.
He also contacted the Japanese ambassador to request assistance, noting Haneda’s ground operations may be overwhelmed.