Saudia Flight Forced to Return to Manila After Mid-Air Technical Issue

Saudia Flight Forced to Return to Manila After Mid-Air Technical Issue

By Bing Jabadan – Thenationweek.com

July 3, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A Saudia Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers made an emergency landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) early Thursday morning after experiencing a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff.

Flight SVA 871, bound for Saudi Arabia, departed NAIA at 11:52 p.m. on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) when, minutes into the flight, a technical problem occurred, forcing the pilots to immediately return to Manila.

At 12:51 a.m. on Thursday (July 3, 2025), the Manila Area Control Center alerted the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) that Flight SVA 871 was diverting back to Manila.

The aircraft landed safely at NAIA at 1:25 a.m., successfully averting what could have been a perilous situation.

“The swift and decisive action of the flight crew, coupled with the preparedness of ground control, ensured the safety of all passengers,” a CAAP official said.

“We are actively coordinating with Saudia Airlines and other relevant aviation authorities to fully investigate the incident and maintain the highest level of operational readiness,” CAAP declared in a statement.

Authorities were set to identify the cause of the plane malfunction to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Saudia Airlines is currently providing hotel accommodation and meals to all affected passengers.

The airline expects a replacement flight to depart from NAIA Terminal 1 at 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Passengers are advised to check with Saudia Airlines for the latest updates.