Manila, Philippines: A Philippine Airlines (PAL) domestic flight en route from Dumaguete to Manila was forced to make an emergency landing at Iloilo International Airport on Sunday afternoon after experiencing a reported oxygen supply issue while at cruising altitude.
Flight PR 2544, operated by an Airbus A320, diverted and landed safely in Iloilo at approximately 4:30 p.m., according to airline and airport advisories.
Initial reports indicate that the issue arose after the aircraft reached its cruising altitude of around 32,000 feet, when the cabin reportedly experienced insufficient oxygen supply.
The incident is likely a pressurization-related malfunction, which can affect oxygen availability inside the cabin.
Aviation protocols require immediate descent or diversion in such cases, as reduced cabin oxygen at high altitude can pose serious risks to passengers and crew.
Despite the mid-air emergency, the aircraft landed safely without structural damage or fatalities. However, several passengers required medical attention upon arrival, primarily due to breathing discomfort and distress experienced during the flight.
Passenger accounts cited in regional reports described a deteriorating cabin environment, including heat, poor ventilation, and difficulty breathing as the situation unfolded mid-flight.
Flight PR 2544 is a routine domestic service connecting Dumaguete (Sibulan Airport) to Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), typically operating with an Airbus A320 aircraft and a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Following the emergency landing, affected passengers were assisted by ground personnel, with arrangements made for onward travel. Authorities and the airline have initiated standard technical inspections and incident review procedures to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
No official statement detailing the root cause had been released at the time of reporting, but investigations are expected to focus on the aircraft’s environmental control and pressurization systems.
