Singapore Airlines’ Emergency Landing in Perth: Major Engine Issue on A350 Sparks Urgent Response and Replacement Flight!

Published on July 9, 2025

On July 7, 2025, a Singapore Airlines flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Singapore (SIN) was forced to make an emergency landing at Perth (PER) after experiencing an in-flight engine issue. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A350-900, registered 9V-SHM, and operating as Flight SQ256. The emergency landing was prompted by a low-pressure alert in engine 1, which led to a controlled engine shutdown, following standard safety protocols.

Emergency Landing After Engine Shutdown

As the Singapore Airlines aircraft was en route from Brisbane to Singapore, the flight crew received a warning related to low pressure in engine 1. The nature of the alert, whether related to fuel, hydraulic, or oil pressure, has not been officially confirmed. However, following standard procedures, the crew took the necessary steps, shutting down the engine to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.

After assessing various diversion options, including the closer airports of Broome (BME), Darwin (DRW), and Denpasar (DPS), the crew made the decision to divert to Perth. At the time of the incident, Perth was approximately 1,040 miles from the aircraft’s location, but the decision to land there was influenced by Perth Airport’s superior maintenance capabilities, its ability to handle large widebody aircraft like the A350, and its logistical readiness.

A Swift Response and a Replacement Aircraft

Upon the aircraft’s arrival at Perth Airport, the passengers disembarked safely, and Singapore Airlines acted swiftly. The airline dispatched a replacement Airbus A350 (registered as 9V-SHP) to Perth as Flight SQ9225, ensuring that the passengers could continue their journey to Singapore. This replacement aircraft departed Perth at 4:40 PM local time on July 8, 2025, and was expected to arrive in Singapore at approximately 9:40 PM the same day.

Passenger Assistance and Apology

While waiting at Perth Airport, Singapore Airlines made every effort to assist affected passengers. Food and beverages were provided to all passengers, and the airline arranged for rebooking connecting flights and hotel accommodation in Singapore, if needed. A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines issued an apology to passengers, acknowledging the inconvenience caused and reaffirming their commitment to providing all necessary assistance during the disruption. The airline also reassured travelers that safety remains its top priority.

“Singapore Airlines sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this incident. We are providing all necessary support to the affected passengers,” the spokesperson said.

The ACARS Message

The ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) message sent from the aircraft provided additional details of the incident. Below are the key points:

• Flight Information:
  • Flight: SQ256
  • Aircraft Type: Airbus A350-900
  • Aircraft Registration: 9V-SHM
  • Route: Brisbane (BNE) to Singapore (SIN), diverted to Perth (PER)
• Incident Details:
  • Issue: Engine 1 low-pressure indication leading to engine shutdown in accordance with the ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor) procedures.
  • Time: The initial message was logged on July 7, 2025, at 17:53 UTC.
  • Status: The aircraft was considering diversion to YPDN (Perth) and later confirmed the landing at Perth.
• Operational Response:
  • Acknowledgment: The downlink was received and acknowledged by the ground system.
  • Action: The aircraft was grounded in Perth, and a replacement flight with a new crew was arranged.
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: The replacement aircraft was expected to arrive in Perth at 20:55 UTC.

A Similar Incident with an A380

This was not the first time Singapore Airlines has had to deal with an in-flight technical issue involving its aircraft. On April 7, 2024, an Airbus A380 operated by Singapore Airlines was forced to return to Sydney (SYD) shortly after takeoff due to a technical fault.

Flight SQ232, en route to Singapore (SIN), had to return to Sydney just over an hour after its scheduled departure at 11:00 AM. The aircraft, a 14-year-old Airbus A380-841 registered 9V-SKM, was equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. The aircraft safely landed back in Sydney at 12:42 PM, approximately 100 minutes after departure. After being inspected by technicians, the issue was resolved, and the flight resumed at 4:19 PM, arriving in Singapore Changi Airport later that evening at 10:24 PM.

The Importance of Diverting to the Right Airport

Choosing the correct diversion airport in the event of an in-flight emergency is critical to ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew. In this instance, Singapore Airlines’ decision to divert to Perth rather than nearby alternatives like Broome, Darwin, or Denpasar was made for practical and safety reasons.

Perth Airport has extensive maintenance facilities and logistical support for widebody aircraft, making it an ideal choice for handling a serious in-flight issue. With the airport being capable of handling the Airbus A350, the airline ensured that its aircraft would receive the necessary attention immediately. Additionally, Perth offered more efficient transfer options for passengers, reducing delays and disruptions.

The Role of Maintenance and Safety Protocols

An in-flight engine shutdown, though alarming, is a routine occurrence in aviation, and the crew is trained to follow established safety protocols. This particular incident showcased the professionalism of the Singapore Airlines crew, who executed the engine shutdown according to established procedures, ensuring a safe landing.

While the exact nature of the low-pressure alert remains unconfirmed, it’s important to note that such warnings are taken very seriously in modern aviation. Engine management systems like the ECAM play a crucial role in identifying potential issues early, enabling pilots to take preventive actions before a more serious failure occurs.

Conclusion

The emergency landing of Singapore Airlines Flight SQ256 in Perth highlights the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and operational readiness. Despite the inconvenience caused by the engine issue, the airline’s prompt response and the decision to divert to Perth ensured that passengers received the appropriate care and attention.

Singapore Airlines continues to maintain a strong safety record, and such incidents, while concerning, are handled with the utmost professionalism by both the airline and airport authorities. The airline’s swift action in dispatching a replacement aircraft and providing timely updates to passengers further underscores its commitment to customer satisfaction.

As aviation continues to evolve, the industry’s emphasis on safety protocols and engineering support remains a top priority. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in both aircraft maintenance and flight crew training. Passengers can rest assured that Singapore Airlines, along with other major carriers, will continue to prioritize their safety and well-being throughout their journeys.