Passengers on a Japan Airlines flight were forced to put on oxygen masks after their Boeing 737 plunged nearly 8,000 metres (around 26,000 feet) mid-air, sparking panic and fear onboard.
On June 30, 2025, Flight JL8696/IJ004, operating between Shanghai Pudong Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport, experienced a sudden mechanical malfunction that caused the aircraft to rapidly descend from roughly 11,000 metres to just over 3,200 metres within 10 minutes.
One passenger recalled hearing a muffled boom before the oxygen masks dropped. “The stewardess cried and shouted to put on the oxygen mask, saying the plane had a malfunction,” the passenger told the Associated Press. Others were woken suddenly as masks deployed automatically, prompting widespread panic.
Emergency Diversion and Passenger Reactions
The Boeing 737, operated under a codeshare between Japan Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Spring Japan, was diverted to Kansai International Airport in Osaka after the pilot declared an emergency at about 6:53 p.m. local time.
Some passengers, fearing the worst, wrote farewell notes, insurance details, and bank PINs as the situation unfolded. Videos from the flight showed visibly distressed passengers holding onto oxygen masks as flight attendants made emergency announcements.
Fortunately, the plane landed safely at around 8:50 p.m., with no reported injuries. Passengers received 15,000 yen (approximately SGD 93) compensation for transportation costs and were offered one night’s accommodation following the incident.
Investigation Underway Into Boeing 737 Incident
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has launched an investigation into the sudden loss of cabin pressure that triggered the emergency descent. An onboard alert system detected the pressurisation anomaly, which initiated the oxygen mask deployment.
While official statements from Japan Airlines and authorities are pending, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about aircraft maintenance and in-flight safety protocols.
The swift response by crew members helped prevent tragedy, underlining the vital role of emergency preparedness during unexpected aviation crises.