170 Flights Delayed After Korean Aircraft Unexpectedly Crashes at Changi Airport

How scary!

According to Channel NewsAsia, around 170 flights were reportedly delayed at Singapore’s Changi Airport after a Korean plan that was taking part in the Singapore Airshow crashed on one of the airport’s runways.

The aircraft, which belonged to the Republic of Korea Air Force, reportedly skidded and caught fire after swerving off the runway onto the grass. The plane apparently caught fire as it was attempting to take off for a flying display at the airshow at about 1.30pm yesterday afternoon (6th February). 

Source: Channel NewsAsia | Facebook 

Thankfully, emergency services quickly put out the fire and the pilot, who suffered light injuries according to authorities, was sent to a clinic and discharged shortly after. Phew!

Because of the crash, the runway had to be closed off in order for investigations to be carried out before the plane was removed. The runway then reopened at around 7pm that same evening after it was cleaned up.

Due to one of the airport’s two runways being closed, about 170 flights were delayed.

Source: channel newsasia

Source: channel newsasia | facebook

Some passengers, who took to social media, claimed their flights were delayed for up to 5 hours. Netizens were also concerned as to why airshow planes were using the same runways as commercial aeroplanes.

Later that day, Changi Airport Group (CAG) released a statement addressing the incident, saying,

“The staff of the airlines, ground handlers and CAG worked together to assist affected passengers.”

“On behalf of the airport community, CAG would like to apologise for the inconvenience and thank passengers and members of the public for their patience and understanding.”

Well, we’re just glad that nobody was hurt in the crash! 

Also read: Frustrated Malaysian Man Lashes Out At AirAsia For More Than 7 Hours Flight Delay