LONDON- A Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight SQ52 encountered significant delays after snow conditions forced multiple diversions between London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester (MAN).
The flight departed Changi Airport (SIN) at 2:13 am Singapore time on January 5, initially heading to Manchester.
Photo: Clément AlloingSingapore Airlines Flight Divert Twice
Snow-covered runways at Manchester Airport triggered a 3.5-hour closure, forcing the aircraft to land at London’s Gatwick Airport at 9:48 am UK time. The disruption affected multiple flights, with diversions to Paris, Dublin, and Glasgow.
Photo: FlightRadar24The aircraft attempted to resume its Manchester journey from Gatwick an hour after landing. According to Manchester Evening News, the plane circled the Peak District National Park for 45 minutes before returning to London due to persistent adverse conditions.
The flight successfully landed in Manchester at 7:11 pm UK time, marking a nearly 10-hour delay from its scheduled 9:25 am arrival. The disruption impacted the flight’s subsequent leg to Houston (IAH), Texas, which was originally planned after a 1.5-hour Manchester stopover.
Photo: FlightRadar24Singapore Airlines confirms flight SQ52’s diversion to London Gatwick Airport during its Singapore-Houston route via Manchester on January 4, 2025. The airline actively manages passenger accommodations, providing hotel stays and rebooking connecting flights for affected travelers.
The flight was operated by Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900, registered as 9V-SMW. Further, it is a 5.4-year-old aircraft and is powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines.
An SIA spokesperson emphasizes the airline’s commitment to passenger and crew safety while apologizing for disruptions caused by the adverse weather conditions. The incident reflects broader weather-related challenges at Manchester Airport.
Manchester Airport faces continued operational challenges due to snow and ice accumulation. Following the initial runway closure and reopening on January 5, the airport implemented another temporary shutdown on January 6 between 6:30 am and 7:15 am for safety measures.
The weather system impacts multiple carriers, creating a ripple effect of flight diversions and delays across regional operations. Manchester Airport’s response focuses on maintaining safe operations while managing the backlog of affected flights.
Photo: Clément Wld | FlickrSimilar Incident
On February 4, 2024, A Cathay Pacific (CX) Airbus A350-900 undertook an unprecedented journey that transformed a routine Hong Kong (HKG) to San Francisco (SFO) flight into an aviation odyssey marked by multiple diversions and weather challenges.
The seven-year-old aircraft, bearing registration code B-LRI, departed Hong Kong International Airport on February 4, 2024, as flight CX870. The 6,927-mile transpacific journey commenced at 1:25 PM, targeting a 9:45 AM arrival in San Francisco.
Weather complications emerged as the aircraft approached San Francisco International Airport, where strong gusty winds disrupted normal operations. The flight crew initiated a holding pattern, awaiting improved conditions. Fuel considerations and persistent adverse weather ultimately forced a diversion to nearby Oakland International Airport, where the aircraft landed at 10:05 AM.
The Oakland landing marked only the beginning of an extended ordeal. Upon attempting to complete the journey to San Francisco, the flight crew encountered renewed airport closures due to deteriorating weather conditions. Rather than returning to Oakland, the pilots redirected the aircraft to Los Angeles International Airport.
The flight touched down in Los Angeles at 3:40 PM, placing passengers 337 miles from their intended destination and six hours behind schedule. The disruption cascaded into the cancellation of the return service, flight CX879, scheduled to operate from San Francisco to Hong Kong.
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