The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday, April 20, confirmed that a Philippine Airlines (PAL) Express flight bound for Manila from Dumaguete experienced a pressurization issue on Sunday afternoon, April 19.
According to CAAP, Flight GAP2544 was forced to declare an emergency as a precautionary measure and was subsequently diverted to Iloilo International Airport, where it safely landed at 4:27 p.m.
“Ang official report po sa amin ay nagkaroon ng pressurization issue no. ‘Yung flight ng PAL Express GAP 2544 na nag-ooperate from Dumaguete to Manila. But na-divert po ito sa Iloilo Airport at noong 4:27 ng hapon,” CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said in an interview on DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan.
According to CAAP, all passengers and crew on board were reported safe after the flight was forced to divert to Iloilo.
“All 175 passengers on board, including three infants, disembarked safely,” CAAP said in a statement.
Some passengers requested medical attention upon landing, which was immediately provided by airport medical personnel. Apolonio said that at least one or two children required medical evaluation but were promptly assisted.
The aviation authority said it continues to monitor the situation and is coordinating with Philippine Airlines for a full investigation into the incident.
The pilot and co-pilot have also been summoned to submit formal reports as part of the probe to determine the exact cause of the pressurization issue.
“Sa ngayon po ay pinatawag na ng ating flight service inspectorial service ang piloto at yung co-pilot para mag-report, para maimbestigahan at malaman kung ano talaga yung nangyari,” Apolonio said.
When asked about possible sanctions against the airline, Apolonio said any penalties would depend on the findings of the investigation.
“Depende ho doon sa violations. Definitely, kung may violations sila, may sanctions. But sa ngayon po, hindi pa namin po pwedeng maibigay dahil iimbestigahan pa at pinatawag pa lang yung mga involved,” he said.
CAAP emphasized that strict safety protocols and checklists are in place to ensure that no aircraft is allowed to fly if any issues are detected.
The agency added that it is awaiting the results of the thorough investigation into the pressurization issue before issuing a final report.
The aircraft is currently undergoing inspection to assess its condition and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
