Flyers were left traumatised after their plane “ran out” of oxygen mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing.
Mid-air footage shows oxygen masks deployed as terrified passengers prayed, while the cabin rattled in turbulence.
Philippine Airlines flight PR2544 took off from Dumaguete Airport bound for Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday (19 Apr).
READ MORE: Woman, 36, dies after ‘dream’ three-in-one plastic surgery abroad
But the Airbus A320-214 reportedly suffered a cabin pressurisation issue after reaching cruising altitude.
One passenger, Janelle Lopez, later recalled online: “From the moment we boarded and took our seats, something already felt very unusual.
“All of us noticed that the air conditioning was not working, from the front all the way to the back of the plane.
“Some passengers asked the cabin crew about it, and they responded with a smile, saying we should just wait a few minutes and that it would start working soon.”
The pilots, however, took off before the issue was resolved, as reported by Need To Know.
Janelle wrote: “As we climbed higher, the situation became worse. The heat inside the cabin intensified, and passengers were sweating heavily. Some looked like they were about to faint.
“I saw children crying uncontrollably due to the heat, many seniors felt uncomfortable, and even a pregnant foreign passenger behind me turned pale.”
Another passenger, Juan Paolo Mariano, wrote: “Mid-flight, the situation escalated when the plane made a sudden descent and oxygen masks suddenly deployed.
“This caused panic across the cabin, especially among children and elderly passengers, some of whom were visibly struggling to breathe.
“After nearly an hour in the air, the aircraft made an emergency landing in Iloilo.
“Passengers were left shaken and distressed, questioning why the flight was allowed to proceed despite clear warning signs from the beginning.”
Although there were no fatalities, some passengers reportedly collapsed and several required medical assistance after landing.
The airline said on Sunday: “Philippine Airlines confirms the diversion of Flight PR2544 (Dumaguete–Manila) to Iloilo following a pressurisation indication, in keeping with safety protocols.
“The aircraft landed safely, and assistance is being provided to passengers and crew. We recognise this was a difficult experience for those on board.”
Janelle added: “The experience was deeply traumatic, and it was my first time going through something like this on a flight.
“Despite everything, I am still grateful that we landed safely, but until now I still can’t sleep properly and my head is still hurting.”
READ MORE: Reckless driver ploughs Audi into ramen restaurant
