SIA flight from New York to S'pore delayed over 48 hours, 151 passengers affected

151 Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers scheduled for a flight from New York/New Jersey to Singapore were left stranded after their flight's departure was delayed for over 48 hours.

Originally scheduled for a Dec. 14, 9:35am local time (SGT 10:35pm) departure from Newark Liberty International Airport, the flight SQ21 was rescheduled twice.

It was also renumbered as SQ9021.

The first reschedule was to Dec. 15 at 12:35pm local time (SGT Dec. 16, 1:35am), but this was later further delayed.

A check on flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows that as of time of reporting, the flight's status is listed as cancelled.

A new flight has been scheduled for Dec. 16 at 9:35am local time (SGT 10:35pm), an SIA spokesperson told Mothership.

Bad weather, technical issues

The flight was originally delayed due to bad weather and a temporary runway closure for runway de-icing, according to the spokesperson.

They added that passengers disembarked the aircraft normally and were provided with necessary assistance, including meal vouchers and overnight hotel accommodation.

The second delay apparently occurred due to an airport baggage handling system fault and a technical issue with the plane's nose wheel.

There was also a lack of spare parts and a need for additional time and support for repairs.

The spokesperson said that all affected customers were provided with regular updates during the delays, and were assisted with rebooking alternate flights where possible.

"Singapore Airlines (SIA) sincerely apologises to all customers affected by the disruption to flight SQ21," they said in a statement. "The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority."

Passengers lament lack of support

However, accounts from passengers appear to lament a lack of support on the ground.

The father of one passenger, surnamed Reddy, alleged to Mothership that ground staff at the airport provided "conflicting information".

He also alleged that passengers were "abandoned without proper hotel or meal vouchers" and that the airline "refused to re-route passengers on other carriers".

He said that the flight remains stuck in New York, when contacted midday on Dec. 16.

Top images via Reddy