A Shandong Airlines flight travelling from Qingdao to Shanghai was forced to divert and make an emergency landing in Nanjing after passengers reported a strong burning smell mid-flight. The incident occurred on Friday and has since gone viral on Chinese social media, with many praising the pilots’ professionalism in handling the situation.
According to a statement released by Shandong Airlines, flight SC4667 experienced what was described as an “aircraft malfunction” during its journey. Following established safety procedures, the crew made the decision to divert to Nanjing Lukou International Airport to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone on board. The airline confirmed that all passengers were safely accommodated after landing, and a replacement aircraft was arranged to continue the disrupted services.
Passengers recounted a frightening series of events. A user claiming to have been on the flight shared on social media that shortly after cruising altitude was reached, they heard several loud bangs followed by violent shaking of the aircraft, with the plane reportedly swaying about 10 degrees from side to side. The burning smell persisted in the cabin for up to ten minutes, sparking fear among passengers.
Passengers Praise Calm Response by Pilots and Crew
“The smell was very strong, and it was terrifying,” the passenger wrote. “But the pilots and cabin crew handled everything professionally, and the captain made clear announcements about the emergency landing.” Another passenger posted photos showing emergency response vehicles, including fire trucks and police cars, waiting on the tarmac as the aircraft landed.
Despite the tense moments in the sky, the flight’s diversion to Nanjing proceeded smoothly. Passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported among the crew or passengers. Social media users flooded platforms with comments praising the pilots’ decisive actions and calm communication, which were credited for keeping passengers reassured during the ordeal.
Aviation Safety in Spotlight After Mid-Air Scare
This incident highlights the critical importance of flight safety protocols and the readiness of pilots and crew to manage unexpected emergencies. Aviation experts note that while mechanical failures are rare, the swift response demonstrated in this case reflects well on both the airline’s training standards and the crew’s adherence to safety procedures.
Shandong Airlines’ handling of the situation was lauded online, with one user commenting, “Thumbs up to the Shandong Airlines pilots. They kept everyone calm and landed us safely.” Authorities have not disclosed further details about what may have caused the aircraft malfunction, but an investigation is reportedly underway.
Emergency landings, although alarming for passengers, are standard aviation safety measures designed to mitigate risk and ensure the best possible outcome during in-flight incidents. This episode serves as a reminder of why staying attentive to flight crew instructions is essential whenever unexpected situations arise in the air.