9 September 2023, Mumbai: Passengers on Singapore International Airlines (SIA) Flight SQ833 faced a nightmarish ordeal when they were confined inside the Airbus A380 aircraft for nearly 8 hours on September 6, 2023, at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The incident has raised concerns and garnered attention after a passenger shared her harrowing experience on Facebook, detailing the challenges they endured.
The Lengthy Ordeal
Flight SQ833 was scheduled to depart at 4:45 PM on September 6, 2023, but instead, the passengers found themselves stranded on the tarmac until midnight at the Pu Dong Airport. According to the passenger’s account, everyone was confined inside the world’s largest commercial plane, with no access to air conditioning and insufficient air circulation, posing potential risks to passengers’ well-being.
Apologies from Singapore International Airlines
In response to the incident, Singapore International Airlines issued an apology for the distressing experience encountered by passengers. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation of Flight SQ833 and acknowledged that the Airbus A380 had encountered technical issues while still on the ground.
Passenger’s Account
The passenger who shared her ordeal on Facebook described the dire situation, emphasizing the lack of air conditioning, limited air circulation, and the captain’s refusal to allow passengers to disembark. Her account shed light on the challenging circumstances endured by those on board during the lengthy delay.
Safety Concerns
Singapore International Airlines clarified that the extended confinement was due to safety concerns and the need to disable ground power while technical checks were conducted. This measure, although uncomfortable for passengers, was taken to ensure the safety of all on board.
Resolution and Rebooking:
Passengers were finally allowed to leave the aircraft at 12:30 AM on September 7, 2023, and were subsequently rebooked onto alternative flights. The ordeal left many passengers frustrated and exhausted after hours of waiting and discomfort.
Passenger’s Additional Insights
The passenger’s subsequent Facebook posts revealed further details about the incident, explaining that the engine was turned off twice for more than 2 hours while the technical issue was being addressed. This prolonged grounding led her to describe the situation as a “100% SQ disaster.”
Health Concerns and Refreshments
Reports from Channel News Asia (CNA) mentioned that some passengers required oxygen masks due to feelings of breathlessness during the extended confinement. The airline did provide refreshments to the stranded passengers, but the situation remained challenging for all involved.