Published 15:10 IST, January 3rd 2024

ALERT | Tokyo's Haneda airport crash sparks cancellation of over 100 flights

Over 100 Haneda Airport flights are set to be canceled, following the fiery plane collision on the runway the previous day, as reported by Japanese carriers.

Reported by: Manasvi Asthana
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Haneda airport suspends flights after massive fire | Image: AP
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Over 100 Tokyo Haneda Airport flights are set to be canceled on Wed. Jan. 3, following the fiery plane collision on the runway the previous day, as reported by two Japanese carriers. Approximately 20,000 passengers will be affected by the flight cancellations with Japan Airlines (JAL) alone confirming 9,250 impacted passengers, according to a local news outlet.

The cancellations involve 54 domestic flights and one international flight for All Nippon Airways (ANA), along with 50 domestic JAL flights, as disclosed by both airlines. In response to the disruptions, Central Japan Railway Company plans to offer additional bullet train services.

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The tragic collision occurred at 5:46 p.m. local time on Tuesday, claiming five lives when a JAL jet, arriving from Sapporo, collided with an earthquake relief aircraft and caught fire upon landing at Haneda. Japan Airlines confirmed the safe evacuation of all 379 people on board JAL flight 516, including eight children under the age of two.

Five crew members lost their lives on the second aircraft, a De Havilland Canada DHC-8, according to Japan’s transport minister, Tetsuo Saito.

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Video footage depicted a massive fireball as the JAL plane ignited, leaving a fiery trail along the runway.

Ongoing investigations into the crash are underway. Experts appreciate the modern safety standards and JAL’s rigorous safety culture for successful evacuation.

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15:10 IST, January 3rd 2024