SINGAPORE: A Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from Brisbane to Singapore was diverted to Perth early on July 8 after the aircraft reportedly experienced a technical issue while in the air.
Flight SQ246 had departed Brisbane Airport on the night of July 7 and was originally scheduled to arrive at Changi Airport at about 5am the following morning.
Flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed the plane leaving Brisbane, on the eastern coast of Australia and travelling towards Broome on the northwestern edge of the country before turning south towards Perth.
Citing a reply from the airline, Australian publication The West Australian reported that the Airbus A350 experienced “technical issues while airborne”.
A total of 272 passengers and 15 crew members disembarked safely at around 7am.
The flight had to be cancelled as the aircraft required a spare part and additional repair time, The West Australian reported a SIA spokesperson as saying.
Affected passengers were transported to a nearby hotel to wait for a relief flight - SQ9224 - which was due to depart Perth at 3.15pm on July 8 and arrive in Singapore at 8.40pm.
“Singapore Airlines is assisting affected customers with rebooking options and necessary arrangements,” the spokesperson told The West Australian, adding: “The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority.”
The Straits Times has contacted SIA for more information. - The Straits Times/ANN
