MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said on Wednesday that not all aircraft returning to their airport of origin are in emergency situations.
The aviation regulator emphasized the importance of passengers being aware of the safety protocols implemented by both international and domestic airlines to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft at all airports worldwide, especially in the Philippines.
On Wednesday, actress Kim Chu shared on Facebook that she had taken a flight to Butuan, but the plane had to turn back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport only 10-15 minutes after takeoff due to a technical problem.
She said at mid-air, "Maybe reading too much news lately got me nervous today. So much so that I caught myself looking for seat 11A - because, according to the internet, it's the 'safest seat.'"
She noticed that the aircraft's crew had been going in and out of the cockpit, which already "had me low-key panicking. But by God's grace, we landed safely back in Manila."
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said that not all aircraft that return to their airport of origin experience emergencies.
He pointed out that the precautionary return or air turnback (an aircraft returning to its departure airport after takeoff) is considered non-emergency when prompted by the following operational or precautionary conditions:
- Activation of a non-critical warning system or indication of a possible system issue
- Cabin crew or staffing-related concerns
- Passenger illness not requiring immediate or emergency medical attention
- Minor maintenance findings that do not compromise the safety of flight
- Weather developments or adjustments in fuel planning.
He said these preventive safety measures were in line with international aviation best practices to uphold the highest standards of civil aviation and passenger welfare.
"The local carriers in the country like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, AirAsia Philippines and other airlines always say that "Safety First, Even When It's Not an Emergency. Ang kaligtasan ay laging pangunahing layunin (safety is always the primary goal) - ensuring safe, orderly, and efficient air transportation for the Filipino people," Apolonio said.