On Saturday morning, passengers onboard Aer Lingus flight 343 from Zurich to Dublin were startled by an announcement telling them to prepare for an emergency water landing. Thankfully, the cabin crew swiftly corrected the mistake, assuring passengers that the plane would not crash into the water.
Fearghal O'Lideacha told The Irish Times about the "very scary" incident, recalling that the pre-recorded message said, "ladies and gentlemen, this is an emergency." Please prepare for a ditched landing."
Although he made eye contact with a woman seated close with children, O'Lideacha claimed there was minimal reaction to the statement, adding that he could feel her sadness on her face. He regarded it as a good indication, however, because no flight attendants hurried out to instruct passengers.
A concerned passenger eventually addressed flight attendants, who informed passengers that there was no emergency. The plane arrived at Dublin Airport on schedule and without incident.
Following the flight's landing in Dublin, O'Lideacha had a brief conversation with a cabin crew member, who admitted to being terrified as well when she heard the news.
An airline official acknowledged the occurrence in a statement, stating that an inaccurate pre-recorded notice was temporarily aired. “A follow up announcement was made advising passengers of the error. At no point during the flight was there any risk to the safety of the aircraft or those on board.”
