Japan airlines flight makes emergency descent, passengers write goodbye messages
Tokyo: Passengers on a Japan Airlines flight from Shanghai to Tokyo had a terrifying experience when their plane suddenly dropped 26,000 feet in less than 10 minutes. The Boeing 737 aircraft, flying as flight JL8696, was forced to descend quickly after a mechanical issue affected the air pressure in the cabin, reports India Today.
The flight, which took off on June 30 from Shanghai Pudong Airport, was being operated under a codeshare with Spring Japan, a budget airline owned by Japan Airlines. There were 191 people onboard.
Around 6:53 PM local time, a problem with the plane’s pressurisation system triggered alarms in the cockpit. The pilots declared an emergency and began a rapid descent from 36,000 feet to about 10,500 feet. As the pressure dropped, oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling, and the cabin crew gave emergency instructions to passengers.
Many passengers were terrified, with some writing down their final messages, including will notes and personal information like bank details and insurance policies. Some had been asleep when the plane suddenly dropped and were jolted awake.
Despite the panic, the pilots safely diverted the plane to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, where it landed at 8:50 PM. No one was hurt.
This incident comes at a time of growing worry over Boeing’s aircraft safety. Just last month, a crash involving a Boeing plane on the Ahmedabad to London route killed 275 people, raising global concerns about Boeing’s performance and safety standards.
A #JapanAirlines #flight from #Shanghai to #Tokyo made an emergency landing at Kansai Airport last night after a cabin depressurization alert. The #Boeing 737-800, carrying 191 people, landed safely. No injuries reported. #China #Japan pic.twitter.com/wCneZ3nkk0
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) July 1, 2025
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
