China Southern Airlines Boeing 777 accidentally deploys emergency slide in Shanghai

A China Southern Airlines Boeing 777-300 (ER) aircraft, registration B-20C5, accidentally deployed an emergency slide during a stopover at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on August 30.

Representatives from both the airline and the airport confirmed the incident, though the specific cause of the deployment remains under investigation. The mishap caused immediate operational disruptions, including a 72-minute delay for a flight originally scheduled to Urumqi, which required a replacement aircraft. The affected plane was subsequently rerouted to Guangzhou.

Industry experts suggest the incident could result in significant economic losses exceeding 100,000 yuan. Costs include the potential replacement of the slide, which can cost between 200,000 and 250,000 yuan, as well as inspection fees, labor, and indirect costs such as parking fees, ground service expenses, and delays to subsequent flights.