A Flydubai aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at U-Tapao airport in the eastern province of Rayong (45 minute drive from Pattaya) after its landing gear failed to deploy.
The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, June 15 with no injuries reported. Despite initial reports of 100 passengers on board, it’s understood the aircraft was carrying 2 captains and 7 crew members, with no passengers.
The Airbus A319 was en route from Dubai to the Philippines when the captain realised there was a problem with the landing gear and requested permission to land at U-Tapao shortly after midnight.
Airport personnel went into emergency preparations, with no fewer than 30 ambulances on standby, along with medics and rescue workers from Rayong and Chon Buri provinces.
According to media reports, just prior to the descent, the landing gear began functioning properly again and the plane touched down just after 1am, wheels deployed, without incident. Once the aircraft had been checked over, it took off for the Philippines about 45 minutes later.
The authorities have expressed their gratitude to all teams at the Navy-owned airport for their response.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
