A Singapore Airlines flight bound for Manchester was forced to make an unexpected detour, not once, but twice, to London Gatwick Airport due to heavy snowfall.
By Aditya M
The incident, which occurred on January 4, 2025, involved Singapore Airlines Flight SQ52, an Airbus A350-900 operating the Singapore-Houston route with a stopover in Manchester. As the aircraft approached Manchester, severe snow and ice accumulation led to the closure of the airport's runways.
Faced with this unforeseen circumstance, the pilot made the decision to divert to London Gatwick Airport, landing safely at approximately 9:48 AM local time. While Gatwick is equipped to handle diverted flights, the unexpected influx of aircraft due to the widespread snowstorm posed its own set of challenges.
After a brief layover, the flight crew attempted to resume the journey to Manchester. However, persistent operational constraints at Manchester Airport, likely stemming from the ongoing snow clearance and the backlog of flights, forced a second diversion back to Gatwick.
The incident highlights the significant impact of winter weather on air travel. Snowstorms can severely disrupt airport operations, leading to runway closures, flight delays, and diversions. Airlines and airports must be prepared to adapt quickly to such situations, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew while minimizing disruptions to travel plans.
In the aftermath of the incident, Singapore Airlines issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused to passengers and outlined measures to assist those affected. This included providing hotel accommodation and rebooking connecting flights.
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