Beijing, June 30 - On June 27, 2025, Shandong Airlines Flight SC4667, a Boeing 737-800 operating a domestic route from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, was forced to make an emergency landing at Nanjing Lukou International Airport due to a serious aircraft malfunction. The flight, which departed Qingdao at 3:22 PM local time, was scheduled to arrive in Shanghai by 4:50 PM. However, approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue that prompted the crew to divert to Nanjing, where it landed safely at 4:26 PM. The incident, while alarming, was handled with professionalism by the airline’s crew, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members on board.
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The malfunction is believed to have originated in the aircraft’s left engine, with reports indicating that an unknown object may have been ingested, causing a series of loud noises and vibrations. Passengers described hearing several loud bangs followed by the aircraft shaking side to side by approximately 10 degrees. A strong burning odor filled the cabin for five to ten minutes, heightening concerns among those on board. Despite these unsettling conditions, the flight crew adhered to safety protocols, promptly initiating emergency procedures and communicating with air traffic control to secure a safe landing in Nanjing. The captain’s announcement of the diversion to Nanjing was met with relief, as the landing was executed smoothly, with emergency services, including fire trucks and police vehicles, on standby at the airport to ensure a safe arrival.
Shandong Airlines responded swiftly to the incident, issuing a statement confirming that the crew had followed all necessary procedures to prioritize passenger safety. After the safe landing, all passengers were disembarked and provided with accommodations to minimize disruption. The airline arranged for a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Shanghai, ensuring that passengers could resume their travel plans with minimal delay. As compensation for the inconvenience, each passenger reportedly received 400 yuan (approximately US$56). The affected Boeing 737-800, registered as B-5627, remains grounded in Nanjing pending a thorough inspection and investigation by Shandong Airlines and aviation authorities to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
This incident adds to a series of recent mechanical issues reported in Chinese domestic flights, raising questions about aircraft maintenance and safety protocols. For instance, earlier in May 2025, a Capital Airlines flight from Taiyuan to Sanya was diverted due to a mechanical failure, and another flight from Shanghai to Yinchuan aborted its landing due to operational issues. Despite these occurrences, China’s aviation industry continues to prioritize safety, with rigorous standards and swift responses to ensure passenger well-being. The successful handling of Flight SC4667 underscores the critical role of trained crews and robust safety measures in managing in-flight emergencies. While the experience was undoubtedly distressing for passengers, the professionalism of Shandong Airlines’ staff ensured a safe outcome, allowing travelers to continue their journeys with confidence.