Air Transport

Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) inaugural Airbus A380 service to the Japanese capital Tokyo was forced to divert to Nagoya today due to bad weather.

SIA’s spokesman says in a statement: “A safe landing could not be completed at Narita [Tokyo’s international airport] and after the pilot was advised by air traffic control of strong winds and low-level wind shear, the decision was made to divert to Nagoya for fuel, and to await clearing of conditions at Narita.”

The A380 was intended to be SIA’s first with the aircraft to Tokyo, arriving on the same day that Narita airport celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The aircraft was due to have arrived at Narita at 08:30 but did not touch down until 12:43, before departing from Narita at 14:48 for the return flight to Singapore.

Star Alliance member SIA says at least 14 flights diverted this morning due to weather conditions at Narita.

Tokyo Narita is now the third city SIA operates A380s to outside its home base of Singapore, the others being London and Sydney. SIA is currently the only A380 operator.

Source: flightglobal.com's sister premium news site Air Transport Intelligence news

Aircraft profile: Airbus A380