Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Al-Masry Al-Youm
Published on 2024-04-13 11:22:52
An emergency malfunction in the cabin of an EgyptAir Boeing 737-866 plane forced it to make an unexpected landing shortly after taking off from Borg el-Arab Airport in Alexandria on Friday.
The aircraft, identified as plane #MS4413, was on a flight from Borg el-Arab International Airport to Jeddah Airport in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the flight was to transport Umrah pilgrims back home. However, just a few minutes after departure, the pilot detected a malfunction in the plane and promptly issued a distress call in accordance with international regulations.
Following communication with the control tower, the pilot made a safe return to Borg el-Arab Airport to address the issue and undergo necessary maintenance. It’s worth noting that the plane did not have any passengers on board at the time, only the crew designated for the flight.
Hussein al-Saeed, the Director of Borg al-Arab International Airport, revealed that the plane had undergone all pre-flight checks before departing for Jeddah. However, shortly after takeoff, the pilot noticed that the cabin pressure was abnormal, prompting the distress call and subsequent return to the airport.
The airport director emphasized the importance of the pilot’s decision to land immediately after detecting the malfunction. He explained that the safety and well-being of all individuals involved were the top priority, and refusing to land could have led to a dangerous situation.
In response to the situation, airport authorities quickly arranged for an alternative plane to fly to Jeddah and transport the passengers as planned. The original plane, after undergoing necessary maintenance and repairs, eventually departed for Medina.
Saeed reiterated that incidents like this, while rare, demonstrate the critical importance of following strict safety protocols in aviation. The pilot’s quick thinking and adherence to proper procedures ensured a safe outcome for all involved.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of prioritizing passenger and crew safety above all else. It also highlights the professionalism and expertise of the EgyptAir crew in handling emergency situations effectively.
Read Original article on Egypt Independent
