An AirAsia Philippines flight headed to Puerto Princesa made an unscheduled return to Manila shortly after departure on Thursday afternoon due to technical concerns, the airline confirmed in a statement.
Flight Z2-430, which departed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 17, 2025, performed a “precautionary air return” after the flight crew identified a minor technical issue during the flight.
The aircraft, an Airbus A320-216 with registration RP-C8964, landed safely at NAIA at 2:15 PM, just 15 minutes after its initial departure.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) advisory, the flight was carrying 166 passengers and six crew members when the flight deck crew reported the issue at approximately 2:04 PM. Following standard safety protocols, the decision was made to return to Manila.
All passengers and crew disembarked safely upon landing. AirAsia’s ground staff promptly attended to the passengers, providing refreshments and flight options in accordance with the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APBR).
“The safety of guests and crew is always the top priority for AirAsia Philippines and at no time was this compromised,” stated FO Steve F. Dailisan, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for AirAsia Philippines.
The aircraft underwent a thorough maintenance check at NAIA following the incident, which is standard procedure for events of this nature.
Passengers were transferred to another Airbus A320 with registration RP-C8976. The replacement flight departed at 4:44 PM, almost three hours after the original departure, and successfully arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport at 5:41 PM.
AirAsia Philippines has not disclosed the specific nature of the technical issue that prompted the air return.
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