EVA Air Flight Returns to Taoyuan After Cabin Pressure Alert

Passengers safely disembark after emergency landing due to technical issue.

An EVA Air flight bound for Manila from Taoyuan experienced a technical issue shortly after takeoff on Thursday morning, prompting the aircraft to return to Taoyuan International Airport.

The flight, identified as BR271, departed Taoyuan at 9:54 a.m. and safely landed back at the airport at 10:42 a.m. The crew had activated a 7700 squawk code, which is a general emergency signal indicating a need for immediate assistance.

EVA Air confirmed the incident and issued an apology to the affected passengers. The airline stated that a replacement aircraft was arranged to transport passengers to their destination in Manila.

One passenger recounted that approximately ten minutes into the flight, oxygen masks were deployed, and flight attendants instructed everyone to use them. While some passengers expressed concern, they remained composed until the captain announced the cabin pressure issue and the decision to return to Taoyuan. The passenger noted that the entire event, including the plane circling over waters near Taiwan, lasted about ten minutes.

Another passenger, who identified himself as Mr. Chang, shared that the flight appeared normal until the unexpected deployment of oxygen masks, which some initially believed to be a drill. He added that the plane had been flying smoothly, and passengers maintained their calm after being informed of the situation.

Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration has acknowledged the incident and announced its intention to conduct an investigation. The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board also confirmed that officials have been assigned to review the details of the event and will determine if a formal investigation is warranted.