Snow Paralyses Japan: Private Jet Runs Off Runway, 92 Flights Cancelled
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A Gulfstream G550 private jet ran off the runway at New Chitose Airport during a snowstorm. No injuries were reported, while Runway B was temporarily closed.
A severe snowstorm that intensified on 12 December at Japan’s New Chitose Airport caused major disruptions to air traffic. A Gulfstream G550 private aircraft (VH-PFL) veered off the runway during landing and came to a stop in a snow-covered area. The runway was temporarily closed as a result of the incident.
92 Flights Cancelled Due to Snowstorm
On 12 December, visibility at the airport dropped to almost zero, adversely affecting the apron, airside areas and parked aircraft. As the snowstorm intensified, a total of 92 flights were cancelled at New Chitose Airport.
Private Jet Ran Off Runway During Landing
According to a statement from the New Chitose Airport Office under Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Gulfstream G550 arriving from Singapore Changi Airport ran off the runway while landing on Runway B at around 18:30 on 12 December.
It was reported that at least eight people were on board the aircraft, and checks carried out by fire crews dispatched to the scene confirmed that there were no injuries.
Runway B Temporarily Closed
Following the incident, Runway B, one of the two runways at New Chitose Airport, was temporarily closed. Flight operations are continuing via the airport’s other runway, Runway A. Authorities stated that the current situation has not caused a direct operational disruption to take-offs and landings.
Incident Classified as a “Serious Aviation Incident”
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism stated that a runway excursion is classified as a serious aviation incident that could potentially lead to an accident.
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) announced that it will assign two investigators from 13 December to determine the exact cause of the incident and launch a detailed investigation.
