Qantas QF30 makes emergency landing in Manila after cruising height cabin depressurisation

In breaking news The Herald Sun has reported today that a QANTAS flight , QF 30 plunged 20,000 feet after a cruise height cabin depressurisation over ocean. 

The plane made an emergency landing in Manila around 1:20pm during a flight between London and Melbourne.

Qantas was refusing to confirm the incident, but passengers who have called Herald Sun Online say oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling during the incident.

An incident centre has now been set up at Mascot 

Others report that the plane suddenly plunged from 30,000 feet to 10,000 feet.

Another passenger reported the masks fell from the ceiling, the plane “dropped suddenly” and there was a “fairly explosive” depressurisation.

One passenger reported the pilot did ‘an amazing job’ of  controlling the craft.

Flight QF 30 was due to arrive in Melbourne around 10pm tonight.

It was one hour from Hong Kong when the incident occured.

The plane is currently on the tarmac at Manila airport with all passengers – the majority of them Australians – on board.

“Qantas can confirm Qantas flight 30 from Hong Kong to Melbourne has been diverted to Manila,” a Qantas spokeswoman said.

“The aircraft is on the ground and being inspected as we speak.”

The spokeswoman would not comment on the cause of the incident. 

ADDITIONAL REPORTS JUST OUT:

The International Herald Tribune reports that Manila airport authorities discovered a big hole in the Boeing 747-400’s fuselage near the right wing.

There were no injuries, but some of the 350 passengers vomited after disembarking, said Manila International Airport Authority deputy manager for operations Octavio Lina.

“There is a big hole on the right side near the wing,” he said, adding it was 2.5 to 3 yards (meters) in diameter.

“The flooring gave way, exposing some of the cargo beneath”, he said.

“The ceiling around the area also collapsed.”

“Upon disembarkation, there were some passengers who vomited.”

“You can see in their faces that they were really scared,” he said.

Passengers who talked to the media at the airport described hearing an explosion, followed by oxygen masks dropping from the ceiling.

The passengers will be provided hotel accommodation while the aircraft was being repaired, said Alfonso Cusi, the airport’s general manager.

QANTAS ISSUES STATEMENT

Qantas has confirmed that a B747-400 aircraft operating QF30 from Hong Kong to Melbourne diverted to Manila today following a loss of cabin pressure.

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said all 346 passengers and 19 crew disembarked normally and there were no reports of any injuries to passengers or crew.

The flight, which originated in London, landed in Manila at approximately 11.15 am local time.

Mr Dixon said the flight crew had performed emergency procedures after oxygen masks were deployed.

He said initial inspections revealed the aircraft had sustained a hole in its fuselage, and it was currently being inspected by engineers.

“The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have been notified of the incident and Qantas is sending its own engineers to Manila.

“Qantas has provided all passengers with accommodation and a replacement aircraft has been arranged.”

A Report by The Mole