A Samoa Airways flight travelling between Fagali‘i and Pago Pago was diverted to Faleolo International Airport on Saturday after a technical defect was detected mid-flight, the airline said.

Flight OL222 was operating its second scheduled service of the day when the crew decided to divert as a precautionary safety measure. The aircraft landed safely at Faleolo International Airport with 16 passengers on board. No injuries were reported.

Because the situation was treated as an emergency, the captain was advised to use the airport’s main terminal, where Samoa Airways ground staff were on hand to assist passengers and crew, the airline said.

The flight was commanded by Captain David Asi, with First Officer Lachlan Kingan. Samoa Airways said both pilots followed established safety procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board.

The airline apologised to affected passengers for the inconvenience and thanked them for their patience and understanding.

Samoa Airways also sought to reassure the public that the diversion does not mean flights have been cancelled. The airline said operations are continuing as scheduled using one available aircraft.

Passenger safety remains the airline’s top priority, officials said, and the aircraft involved in the incident is undergoing required inspections in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

Samoa Airways Engineering Department has confirmed that all required checks have been completed, and the aircraft has safely returned to service.