All Nippon Airways Flight Returns to Naha After Engine Warning, Passengers Evacuated

All Nippon Airways Flight Returns to Naha After Engine Warning

An All Nippon Airways flight experienced an issue shortly after takeoff from Naha Airport on September 23, 2026. Flight 1502, a Boeing 737-800 bound for Saga, had to return to Naha due to a warning light indicating a problem with the right engine’s oil temperature. The flight crew acted quickly to shut down the engine and safely land the aircraft.

Upon returning to Naha, the plane stopped on a taxiway. Passengers were then evacuated from the aircraft using emergency slides. While the evacuation process involved emergency slides, reports indicate that no one suffered serious injuries. However, three individuals sustained minor injuries, described as scrapes, abrasions, or bruises. The incident caused a temporary partial closure of the airport’s main runway as authorities inspected the area.

Engine Shutdown and Return to Naha

The warning about the right engine’s oil temperature occurred during the climbout phase of the flight. Following standard safety procedures, the flight crew decided to shut down the affected engine. This action allowed them to safely navigate the aircraft back to Naha Airport for landing. The decision to shut down the engine demonstrated the crew’s commitment to passenger safety in response to the technical issue.

Passenger Evacuation and Injuries

After the aircraft landed and came to a stop on the taxiway, the evacuation process began. Passengers disembarked the plane using the emergency slides. This method of evacuation is typically used when a safe exit from the aircraft is necessary and immediate. While the use of slides can sometimes lead to minor injuries, in this case, the injuries were reported as minor. The swift response of the crew and emergency personnel helped ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Airport Operations and Investigation

The incident at Naha Airport led to a temporary disruption of normal operations. A portion of the main runway was closed while airport personnel conducted an inspection. This inspection was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the airport environment following the aircraft’s return and evacuation. The exact number of people on board the flight varied in different reports, with some stating 158 people (152 passengers and 6 crew) and others suggesting around 160. All Nippon Airways and relevant authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the engine oil temperature warning.

Flight Route Change

It was noted that Flight 1502 was operating a different route than originally planned. The flight was scheduled to go from Naha to Fukuoka. However, this service was rerouted to Saga because the original flight would have arrived too late for Fukuoka Airport’s operating hours. This change in destination explains why the aircraft was headed to Saga instead of Fukuoka on the evening of the incident. The investigation will likely examine all aspects of the flight’s operation, including the reasons for the route alteration.

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