Tigerair flight damages tyre during take off, but lands safely in Haikou

The aircraft (not pictured) landed safely in Haikou three hours later after two fly-pasts. -- PHOTO: TIGERAIR
The aircraft (not pictured) landed safely in Haikou three hours later after two fly-pasts. -- PHOTO: TIGERAIR

SINGAPORE - Parts of a tyre of a China-bound Tigerair aircraft peeled off when it took off from Changi Airport on Thursday morning.

Flight TR2934, which was carrying 172 passengers, however, was assessed to be safe to continue to its destination, and landed at Haikou after two fly-pasts.

"The aircraft had a problem with its tyre but was determined as safe to continue... upon assessment by our pilot and with assistance from Haikou air traffic control," an airline spokesman said on Friday.

"The safety of those on board was not compromised at any time," the spokesman added.

Reports said tyre debris was found on the runway of Changi Airport after flight TR2934 took off, with emergency services at Haikou airport being put on standby.

The damaged tyre of the AirbusA320-200 has been replaced, the spokesman noted, adding that the return flight which was scheduled to leave Haikou on Thursday night with 168 passengers has been re-timed to depart on late Friday afternoon.

Accommodation and food have been provided for passengers affected by the rescheduled flight.

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