A Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight carrying 82 passengers and four crew members was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to a “technical problem,” according to officials.
Flight PR2543 experienced a technical issue that resulted in smoke venting into the cabin, PAL spokeswoman Cielo Villaluna said in a statement that was posted on the Philippine News Agency, a web-based government newswire service.
All affected passengers and crew members safely returned to Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 2:10 p.m. for a “precautionary landing,” she said.
The flight, bound for Dumaguete from Manila, took off at 1:54 p.m. earlier that day.
PAL said the carrier’s operations teams have arranged a replacement flight for all affected passengers. The plane has since safely arrived at its final destination.
The replacement flight took off at 4:16 p.m. and everyone who decided to proceed with their trip has arrived safely in Dumaguete, said Villaluna, noting that 63 of the 82 passengers chose to continue their trip.
“We affirm that safety is our top priority and that PAL is fully cooperating with the concerned airport and aviation authorities,” the spokeswoman said.
Flight PR2543 was using a De Havilland Dash 8 turboprop operated by PAL Express, the flag carrier’s subsidiary, according to the company.
The affected plane’s registry number is RP-C5906.
