ISTANBUL- Passengers on a Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Singapore faced an extended disruption after a technical issue kept the aircraft grounded for nearly 38 hours. The delay affected SQ391, which was eventually renumbered as SQ9391 and departed only after multiple schedule changes.
The airline said safety remained the top priority throughout the incident as engineers worked on the Airbus A350-900. Passengers, however, raised concerns about communication, contingency planning, and support during the prolonged disruption.
Singapore Airlines Flight Delayed for 3 Days
SQ391 was scheduled to depart Istanbul at 1.15 pm on December 12, 2025. The aircraft taxied for takeoff but returned to the bay when the crew reported a problem with the aircraft’s flaps.
All 229 passengers remained on board for almost four hours while engineers attempted to fix the issue. Food and drinks were provided, and the airline initially kept passengers seated to allow a quick departure if the repair succeeded.
The spare part required was not available on site, which triggered a series of rolling delays. Passengers later disembarked to collect their checked bags and were offered two accommodation options. Some travellers said meal vouchers fell short of covering incidental costs such as medication and additional meals during the wait, Mothership reported.
Passenger concerns about communication
Travellers said updates were inconsistent and that no Singapore Airlines representative appeared to be managing on-ground communications.
Many relied on a European tour guide for information. The airline said it issued regular updates, arranged hotel stays, provided meal vouchers, and helped rebook connecting flights where needed.
By the afternoon of December 13, the departure had been rescheduled from 7 pm to midnight, then again to 3 am on December 14. The flight finally left Istanbul at that time and arrived in Singapore at 7.14 pm the same day.
Singapore Airlines reiterated its apology to affected passengers and stressed that all decisions during the delay were made with customer and crew safety in mind. The airline confirmed that engineers required more time and technical support to complete the repairs safely before releasing the aircraft to fly.
Operational Challenges Behind the Delay
Technical issues involving aircraft flaps can directly affect takeoff performance, which explains the caution taken by the crew.
The incident also highlights how global operations depend on the timely availability of specific aircraft parts and maintenance support, which can be limited at overseas stations.
Such conditions often lead to long disruptions despite best efforts to keep schedules on track.
Similar Incident
Passengers on Singapore Airlines faced two days of disruption in New York after repeated delays on the ultra-long-haul route from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Changi Airport (SIN). The service was first affected by severe winter weather, then delayed again due to technical and baggage system faults.
Flight SQ21 from Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN) was pushed back twice, leaving 151 travelers unable to depart as scheduled, according to the airline.
Operational Issues Behind the Extended Delay
The airline reported that SQ21 was planned to depart Newark on December 14 at 9.35 am local time. Winter weather brought a temporary runway closure for de-icing, contributing to nearly 500 delays and more than 200 cancellations across the airport.
Passengers were asked to disembark and received hotel stays and meal vouchers. The flight was renumbered to SQ9021 and reset for December 15 at 12.35 pm.
The second attempt also failed to depart. A baggage system fault at the airport and a nose wheel issue on the Airbus A350-900 were discovered during final checks.
Technical teams confirmed that a specific spare part was needed, and extra repair support had to be arranged. This forced another postponement of the already delayed journey.
Passenger Support Arrangements
Singapore Airlines provided hotel accommodation and meal vouchers for all affected customers. Rebooking options were offered for those with onward travel plans. The revised departure for SQ9021 is December 16 at 9.35 am local time, with arrival in Singapore expected on December 17 at about 4.40 pm.
Some travelers reported limited communication during the disruptions. One group was taken to a hotel after the first delay, but their bus broke down, and rooms were not immediately ready. Food was made available later through vouchers.
During the second delay, ground staff found two damaged tyres, but only one replacement was available at Newark. Another tyre was brought from John F Kennedy International Airport, adding further time. Passengers spent about three hours on board before being asked to leave the aircraft again.
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