Transportation secretary Vince Dizon has ordered an investigation into the emergency diversion of Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR102 to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, directing aviation regulators to hold the flag carrier accountable and ensure full compensation for affected passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), both under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), were instructed to seek a formal explanation from PAL and to verify whether the airline provided adequate assistance to the 359 passengers and 18 crew members onboard.
The Boeing 777 aircraft, which departed Manila for Los Angeles on 9 April, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tokyo after smoke reportedly emerged from one of the aircraft’s air conditioning units. The aircraft landed safely at 3:30 AM local time, although passengers were not disembarked until nearly seven hours later.
“This incident warrants a thorough investigation to determine both the cause and the adequacy of the airline’s response,” Dizon said. He emphasized that passenger welfare and safety must remain a top priority, and any lapses in compliance with aviation safety or consumer protection regulations would be addressed.
PAL, in a statement, confirmed the safe disembarkation of all passengers and crew. “Our ground operations team at Tokyo Haneda Airport is providing full support, including meals, baggage assistance, and arranging alternative flights to help passengers continue their journey,” the airline said, adding that it is fully cooperating with Japanese and Philippine aviation authorities.
The DOTr said it has also coordinated with Haneda Airport officials to provide support services for stranded passengers.
The regulatory response signals a heightened focus on airline accountability and consumer protection, especially in emergency situations. The outcome of the CAAP investigation may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
