A Wild Flight: Singapore Airlines’ Unexpected Docking Drama
Little “A‑bang” at Ground Zero
On September 18th, flight SQ178 was ready to glide out of Changi toward Ho Chi Minh City. The 330‑300 had just waved at the gate, the tug had begun its gentle push‑back, and then—boom! The front of the plane clunked against an aerobridge that had just been used for boarding. Picture a reluctant hug from your own ceiling fan.
Passengers & Crew: Disembark, Take Lighter
All 272 passengers and the 12‑member crew were promptly let out. Fortunately, the other bridge did the job, so a smooth exit was still on the table.
Emergency Handoff: A Backup Runway
- ■ A replacement aircraft was hatched, ready to swoop in.
- ■ The flight roared off again, about two hours later, around noon.
- ■ Damage assessment is underway; investigations are in the pipeline.
Sixty, not a little… and though the airplane was ruffled, it wasn’t shattered.
Air Traffic Heroics: Changi’s Ground Crew
Ivan Tan from the Changi Airport Group whispered:
“Ground crews sprang into action, escorted passengers to safety, and are collaborating on the investigation.”
Furthermore, a smidge of damage to the aerobridge was patched up; the bridge is back to its flirty, sliding-self glory.
Remember Past Mishaps?
It’s not the first time the airport has turned into a playground for mishaps. Back in November 2017, a tow tug ignited while nudging an SIA 777‑200 toward its gate. The flames flickered across Airport Boulevard Road, leaving the aircraft grounded for a bout of repairs—no one on board, but the carbon refrain left a mark.
Final Thoughts
Every little bump along the runway reminds us that even the most polished airlines can wrestle with a bit of surprise. In the end, the passengers all made it back to the skies—just a tad late, a little shaken, and with an impromptu flight story to brag about at the next boarding pass exchange.
