URGENT UPDATE: A Qantas flight from Singapore to Melbourne was forced to divert to Adelaide early today due to critical pressurization issues reported shortly before landing. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, diverted at approximately 5:00 AM local time, leaving 240 passengers stranded in South Australia.
The flight, designated QF36, departed from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 7:30 PM on December 23 and was scheduled to arrive in Melbourne at 6:15 AM on December 24. Passengers reported being informed of the diversion only 30 minutes prior to the landing, raising concerns about communication during the emergency.
The aircraft circled over the St. Vincent Gulf while evaluating its options before safely landing at Adelaide International Airport (ADL). Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Authorities confirmed that the landing was not classified as an emergency, and it remains unclear whether the ADL airport curfew, which restricts operations between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM, played a role in the decision to divert.
Passengers were quickly disembarked and placed on replacement flights to Melbourne, ensuring many could still arrive home before Christmas. Affected travelers included fans returning for the highly anticipated Boxing Day Cricket Test, underscoring the emotional stakes during this busy holiday season.
The aircraft, which has served Qantas since 2002 and is known as “Cradle Mountain,” remained on the apron in Adelaide for over 24 hours before being scheduled to return to Melbourne on December 25 under flight QF6004, departing at 10:05 AM and landing at 11:40 AM.
As of now, the aircraft is grounded in Melbourne and has no further scheduled flights. Qantas has not released an official statement regarding the pressurization issue or the aircraft’s future assignments.
The incident highlights the challenges airlines face during peak travel times and the importance of effective communication with passengers during in-flight emergencies. With Qantas planning to retire its Airbus A330-200 fleet in the coming years, this situation raises further questions about the readiness of older aircraft for long-haul journeys.
Travelers are advised to stay updated with Qantas for any further developments regarding their flights and safety measures.
