Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ851 from Guangzhou to Singapore was diverted to Batam on May. 5 due to harsh weather conditions in Singapore, said Singapore Airlines.

The plane arrived at Changi Airport about three hours and 40 minutes behind schedule.

The Boeing 787-10 aircraft, carrying 301 passengers and 18 crew, was scheduled to land in Singapore at about 5:45pm (Singapore time), according to SIA.

It instead landed in Batam at around 5:41pm (local time) after encountering what was described by one passenger as a “bout of turbulence that felt significantly more severe than usual” while en route.

The passenger said travellers were instructed to remain seated after landing while the aircraft underwent safety checks.

Although the crew initially said the checks would take 40 to 45 minutes, the wait was extended to about 2.5 hours, according to the passenger.

The passenger said regular updates were provided during the stop, with the crew citing adverse weather in Singapore as the reason for the diversion.

Light refreshments were also available on request.

According to the passenger, the ground staff and crew were present to offer apologies for the delay and the inconvenience caused during the flight

SIA told Mothership that the flight later departed Batam at 7:43pm and arrived in Singapore at 9:24pm (local time).

SIA added that affected passengers were assisted with rebooking of connecting flights and hotel accommodation where required.

The airline apologised for the disruption, adding that safety remained its top priority.