A Scoot flight en route to Singapore from Melbourne was diverted to Jakarta in the early hours of 4 September as a precaution, after one of the Boeing 787 aircraft’s engines encountered issues. Flight TR25, which left Melbourne Airport at about 10 pm local time on 3 September, was approximately 1.5 hours away from Singapore when the decision was made to divert. The plane landed safely in Jakarta around 1:55 am Singapore time.
## Background
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, experienced a “low oil pressure indication” on its right engine mid-flight. This prompted the crew to follow protocol and divert to the nearest suitable airport, which was Jakarta. The aircraft was originally scheduled to land at Changi Airport at 3:25 am Singapore time on 4 September.
## Almost arrived in Singapore
According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, the plane departed from Melbourne Airport at about 10 pm Australia time on 3 September. At approximately 1:55 am Singapore time, the aircraft diverted from its course and landed in Jakarta about 40 minutes later.
## Passenger’s account
A passenger on the affected flight shared their experience on Facebook, stating that the plane had to land with only its left engine operational. The passenger claimed that the right engine had an oil leak and was shut down as part of the safety protocol. The post read: “Thank God for Scoot TR25 safe landing on Jakarta airport with left engine only. Right engine oil leak had to be shut down as part of protocol. Waiting for immigration clearance to disembark. Won’t be home soon.”
## Scoot’s response
In response to queries, Scoot confirmed that a “low oil pressure indication” was detected on the plane’s right engine during the flight, leading to the precautionary diversion to Jakarta. The plane landed without issues, but the original flight could not be resumed immediately as spare parts needed to be sent to Jakarta. A relief flight was arranged to pick up the stranded passengers on 4 September. This relief flight arrived in Jakarta at about 2:20 pm and departed for Singapore at around 4 pm Jakarta time. Scoot provided accommodation and transportation for the affected passengers in Jakarta.
## Relief flight and passenger care
The relief flight successfully transported the stranded passengers, with the plane touching down in Singapore at around 10:30 pm on 4 September. Scoot, a budget carrier under Singapore Airlines, expressed its sincere apologies for the disruption and inconvenience caused. The affected aircraft, an eight-year-old 787-8 Dreamliner, remains in Jakarta for repairs.
## Future implications
This incident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols and the readiness of airlines to handle in-flight emergencies. The quick decision to divert the flight ensured the safety of all passengers and crew on board. As air travel continues to recover post-pandemic, airlines are likely to face increased scrutiny regarding maintenance and safety standards. This event serves as a reminder of the critical role that proper aircraft maintenance and timely responses play in ensuring passenger safety.
