Singapore Airlines A350 Diverts Twice to London Gatwick

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 was forced to divert twice to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) while en route to Manchester (MAN) on January 4, 2025, due to adverse weather in Manchester. 

The 5.4-year-old aircraft with registration 9V-SMW departed Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 2:13 am local time on January 5, bound for Manchester. The A350 was operating flight SQ52 as part of its scheduled Singapore-Houston route. 

However, snow-covered runways at Manchester prompted a 3.5-hour closure, forcing the aircraft to divert to LGW. Flight SQ52 landed at Gatwick at 9:48 am UK time, joining a list of other flights redirected to alternate airports such as Paris, Dublin, and Glasgow due to the adverse weather conditions.

Second Attempt Ends in Another Diversion

Shortly after landing at Gatwick, the crew decided to continue the journey to Manchester. However, the worsening weather near the Peak District National Park resulted in a 45-minute hold before the aircraft was forced to return to Gatwick for a second time.

Passengers were significantly impacted as the flight finally reached Manchester at 7:11 pm UK time, nearly 10 hours after its original scheduled arrival at 9:25 am. 

This disruption also affected the subsequent leg of the flight to Houston (IAH), which was originally planned after a short stopover in Manchester. Singapore Airlines confirmed the diversions and emphasized its commitment to passenger and crew safety. 

In an official statement, an airline spokesperson apologized for the inconvenience. Moreover, SQ assured that accommodations were made for affected travelers, including hotel stays and rebooking arrangements for connecting flights.

Broader Impact on Manchester Airport Operations

This incident highlights the operational challenges faced by Manchester Airport during severe winter weather. The initial runway closure on January 5 disrupted numerous flights, and a subsequent temporary shutdown occurred the next morning on January 6, between 6:30 am and 7:15 am.

The snow and ice accumulation in the region triggered a ripple effect, causing widespread delays and diversions across regional and international flights.

Conclusion

The Singapore Airlines Flight SQ52 diversion incident showcases the unpredictable nature of air travel during extreme weather events. While the disruptions caused frustration for passengers, Singapore Airlines demonstrated a commitment to safety and proactive support for those impacted.

With Manchester Airport continuing to face weather-related challenges, passengers traveling through the region are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and prepare for potential delays.

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