Scoot KL-S'pore flight delays for almost 22 hours due to 'technical fault'

On Dec. 28, a Scoot flight from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Singapore was delayed for almost 22 hours.

A reader told Mothership that Scoot flight TR469 was initially scheduled to depart KL on Dec. 28 at 7:10pm.

However, the reader said that they were made to disembark twice from the plane before the flight was officially cancelled.

The reader and other passengers eventually left KL on Dec. 29 at 4:42pm.

In response to Mothership's queries, Scoot said Flight TR469 was delayed as a technical fault was detected before departure and that the safety of their customers and crew was of utmost priority.

Air conditioning and lights turned off

On Dec. 28, passengers of TR469 were told at the boarding gate at 6:25pm that their 7:10pm departure had been pushed back to 8:30pm.

The reader said that the plane arrived around 8:00pm, and they waited for the other passengers to disembark from the aircraft and the ground staff to unload their luggage.

At 8:30pm, the passengers were able to board.

As the plane prepared for taxi, the reader said the air conditioning suddenly turned off. About 20 minutes later, a crew member walked down the aisle and told passengers that the lights were also going off and not to panic.

During this time, the captain announced that the engine needed to be restarted due to a technical issue.

After several attempts, the air conditioning and ventilation were still not working, leaving the plane stuffy.

The captain then requested that the aerobridge reconnect to the plane and instructed the cabin crew to disarm the door for ventilation.

The reader said numerous passengers rushed to stand by the door for air.

At 9:30pm, the captain told the passengers that repairs could take up to three hours, and passengers were advised to disembark and wait in the terminal.

The reader said some passengers asked to cancel their flights, but he chose not to.

At 11pm, they were informed that the plane was ready for boarding, and at 12:15am, as they were about to taxi, the lights went out, and the air conditioning stopped again.

The captain announced that the same technical issue had occurred and informed all passengers to disembark.

The reader noted that numerous passengers were visibly restless, tired and hungry.

When he saw a crowd gathering around the ground staff, he heard one staff member tell passengers that their flight had been cancelled and that they could either cancel and receive a full refund or let the airline arrange accommodation and the next flight.

The reader and his family chose the second option. By the time they cleared immigration to head to their hotel, it was 3:10am on Dec. 29.

"From 6:25pm on Dec. 28 to 3:10am on Dec. 29, no food or drinks were provided, despite promises from staff," he added.

Next day

On Dec. 29, at 7:08am, the reader said he received a message from Scoot stating that their flight was scheduled for 1pm.

The passengers at the hotel were instructed at 10am to meet at the lobby in 15 minutes, and latecomers would be left behind.

They were all rushed to the airport, and by 11am, they had cleared immigration and were waiting at the gate.

However, at 1pm, there was no plane at the gate.

Regarding refreshments, the reader pointed out that they were given one chicken burger from Burger King after the passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of refreshments.

At 2:01pm, Scoot informed the passengers that the flight was again delayed until 3pm.

At 2:47pm, the plane finally arrived.

At 3:26pm, it started to rain, not allowing passengers to board.

Finally, at 4:01pm, passengers were allowed to board the aircraft, and the plane departed at 4:42pm.

Scoot statement

In response to Mothership's queries, Scoot said Flight TR469 was scheduled to depart KL at 7:10pm on Dec. 28. However, a technical fault was detected before the scheduled departure.

"As spares were required to be uplifted to Kuala Lumpur, TR469 could not be recovered in time."

Scoot said that affected customers were provided accommodation, transport, and refreshments.

The next flight departed from KL to Singapore on Dec. 29 at 4:42pm.

The flight landed in Singapore at 6:13pm the same day.

"Scoot sincerely apologises for the inconvenience to our customers. The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we will continue to assist affected customers, where required."

Top photos via Mothership reader