- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Passengers aboard Japan Airlines flight JL8696 endured a terrifying experience on June 30 when their Boeing 737 aircraft, en route from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Tokyo Narita, suddenly descended 26,000 feet. The flight, operated under a codeshare agreement with low-cost subsidiary Spring Japan, had 191 people on board. What was expected to be a routine journey turned into a life-threatening ordeal that left passengers shaken and scrambling to prepare for the worst.
Around 7 pm (local time), the aircraft began a violent and rapid descent, plunging to 3,000 meters within 20 minutes. Oxygen masks were deployed as alarms sounded in the cabin. Terrified passengers posted on social media after landing, describing the event as “life-threatening.” One said, “My body is still here, but my soul hasn't caught up. My legs are still shaking. When you face life or death, everything else feels trivial.”
Some were jolted awake mid-flight, while others started drafting wills and sending final messages to loved ones. Several even jotted down insurance details and bank card PINs in case they didn’t survive. A passenger admitted being on the verge of tears while preparing for the worst.
Safe Landing In Osaka
Despite the panic, the aircraft landed safely at Kansai International Airport in Osaka at 8:50 p.m. local time. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism later confirmed that the aircraft’s pressurisation system had malfunctioned, triggering an emergency alert. The pilot promptly declared an emergency and diverted the plane.
No injuries were reported, but the emotional toll was heavy. Passengers were provided overnight hotel accommodations and offered 15,000 yen (approximately $93) in transportation compensation. Japan Airlines has not yet issued an official explanation.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine what caused the sudden mid-air descent. The malfunctioning of the pressurisation system has put a renewed spotlight on Boeing’s aircraft safety standards.
Video footage from inside the plane showed passengers gripping oxygen masks while a flight attendant issued instructions. The chaos captured the fear and confusion of a moment that no traveller expects to face.
While the flight ended without physical harm, the psychological impact remains. The terrifying experience has raised urgent questions about aircraft maintenance, emergency protocols, and passenger safety, especially as Boeing continues to face global scrutiny.