Incident Overview
• Date: January 19th, 2025
• Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
• Registration: VH-EBK
• Operator: Qantas
• Flight Number: QF-19
• Route: Sydney, NSW (Australia) to Manila (Philippines)
• Outcome: Safe diversion to Cairns (CNS)
Summary of Events
Qantas flight QF-19, operated by an Airbus A330-200 (registration VH-EBK), was enroute at FL380 approximately 320nm west-northwest of Cairns when the crew detected a fume event in the rear cabin. Several passengers and crew reported feeling unwell, with symptoms such as headaches and discomfort, prompting the crew to divert to Cairns for safety.
The aircraft landed without incident on runway 33 at Cairns approximately one hour after the decision to divert.
Timeline of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL380 when a strong odour was reported from the rear of the cabin.
2. Passenger and Crew Symptoms:
• Several passengers and cabin crew reported headaches, nausea, and general discomfort.
3. Decision to Divert:
• The crew declared an emergency and decided to divert to Cairns (CNS) to address the issue.
4. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 33 in Cairns, with emergency services on standby.
5. Passenger Accommodation:
• Passengers were accommodated overnight in Cairns as the aircraft underwent inspections.
6. Flight Continuation:
• After about 21 hours of inspections and maintenance, the aircraft departed Cairns and reached Manila with a delay of 23 hours.
Passenger and Crew Impact
• Symptoms Reported:
• Passengers and cabin crew complained of strong odours and experienced symptoms like headaches and nausea.
• Medical Assistance:
• No serious injuries were reported, and medical aid was provided to those affected.
Aircraft and Operational Details
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A330-200
• Known for its reliable performance, the A330-200 is equipped with air quality systems designed to handle cabin air circulation.
• Crew Actions:
• The flight crew adhered to safety protocols, prioritizing passenger health by promptly diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
Initial Findings
• Fume Source:
• Preliminary reports suggest the odour originated from the rear cabin, though the exact source remains under investigation.
• Maintenance Actions:
• Ground crews in Cairns conducted thorough inspections before clearing the aircraft to continue its journey.
Safety Considerations
1. Cabin Air Quality:
• Aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters and air circulation systems; however, occasional fume events may occur due to system malfunctions or external factors.
2. Crew Training:
• Qantas crews are trained to handle fume events, ensuring passenger safety and well-being during such occurrences.
Next Steps
• Investigation:
• Qantas and relevant authorities will investigate the source of the fumes to prevent future occurrences.
• Aircraft Monitoring:
• VH-EBK will be monitored closely for recurring issues.
• Passenger Compensation:
• Affected passengers will be compensated for the delay and inconvenience.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of proactive crew actions and rigorous safety protocols in ensuring passenger safety during unexpected in-flight issues. The swift diversion to Cairns minimized potential health risks, and the thorough inspection allowed the flight to resume safely.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of January 20th, 2025. For copyright concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
