MANILA, Philippines—Low-cost airline company AirAsia confirmed Sunday that it had lost contact with one of its flights from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore and had “no further information” about the plane or its passengers.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook account, AirAsia reported that flight QZ8501 lost contact with air traffic control at 7:24 a.m Sunday.
“AirAsia Indonesia regrets to confirm that flight QZ8501 from Surabaya to Singapore has lost contact with air traffic control at 07:24hrs this morning.
At the present time we unfortunately have no further information regarding the status of the passengers and crew members on board, but we will keep all parties informed as more information becomes available.
“The aircraft was an Airbus A320-200 with the registration number PK-AXC,” the statement read.
The Malaysia-based airline company said that it was conducting search and rescue operations.
At the same time, AirAsia set up a holding area in Changi Airport Terminal 2 in Singapore to assist the passengers’ next-of-kin. An emergency call center has also been activated.
“AirAsia has established an Emergency Call Center that is available for family or friends of those who may have been on board the aircraft. The number is: +622129850801.
“AirAsia will release further information as soon as it becomes available. Updated information will also be posted on the AirAsia website,www.airasia.com.” the statement added.
The Associated Press said 161 persons were onboard flight QZ8501.
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