After being airborne for about half an hour, Hawaiian Airlines Flight 912, which is the return flight for the fifth repatriation charter, returned to Pago Pago International Airport on Tuesday evening.
An advisory from the airline said the flight was cancelled due to a mechanical issue.
The passengers deplaned and sat in the departure lounge for a few hours before it was decided that the aircraft needed more time to be repaired.
A woman on the flight said they were given sandwiches and drinks while they waited. Because the flight was taking ill patients who needed off island treatment, there was concern for their health after a few hours of waiting.
Overall passengers were pleased that the mechanical problem was detected and the pilots decided to return to land.
“We are thankful they put safety first,” said a Tafuna resident who was on the flight.
The female passenger said it was around 10:00 p.m. when she and her family arrived home.
In an airline flight advisory sent out after 1:00 Wednesday morning, Hawaiian Airlines Station Manager Tuli Fruean said the replacement aircraft will depart Pago Pago International Airport for Honolulu at 1:30 p.m. Arrival time in Honolulu is 7:42.pm.
The check–in counters will open at 11:00 a.m. so that passengers can have their boarding passes reprinted.
The TSA Security Checkpoint will open at 11:00 a.m. and close promptly at 1:00 p.m. Fruean stressed there will be no exceptions for any late arriving passengers.
Fruean thanked travelers for their patience throughout the lengthy delay. He asked that all questions be directed to their to Guest Service Agents at the counter and to call 699-1875 for additional information on the flight.
Fruean said, “We look forward to serving you again safely.”
