Ahmedabad: A Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Hong Kong made an emergency landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the city this afternoon after a technical fault was reported onboard.

The flight, QR816, which departed from Hamad International Airport, Doha, at 8:58 am (local time), was scheduled to reach Hong Kong at 1:21 am the next day. However, due to the technical issue, the aircraft was diverted and safely landed in Ahmedabad at 2:40 pm.

The airline in an official statement to a news agency said, “Qatar Airways confirms that flight QR816 from Doha to Hong Kong was diverted to Ahmedabad on 14 October due to a technical issue. The diversion was a standard precautionary measure and the aircraft landed safely. Passengers and crew will be provided with necessary assistance. The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our highest priority.”

Meanwhile, SVPI Airport spokesperson stated that “The aircraft landed safely at 14:32 hrs, and the full emergency was withdrawn at 14:38 hrs. Airport operations remained unaffected.”

The airport authorities immediately informed the fire department as a precautionary measure. Three fire trucks from Chandkheda fire station were deployed on standby, along with senior airport officials, to ensure passenger safety.

An investigation into the technical fault is currently underway. As per the airline’s website, the flight will resume its journey to Hong Kong at around 5:30 pm. DeshGujarat