25 August 2011，Doha， QATAR – Qatar Airways can confirm that flight QR888 inbound to Shanghai Pudong International Airport diverted to Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport due to thunderstorms on the 13th August 2011.
The weather deterioration in the Shanghai area which was not forecast， resulted in a significant arrival delay into Pudong Airport。
In the Captain’s judgement， in order not to compromise flight safety， enroute to Hongqiao Airport he declared an emergency. The aircraft a B777-300ER landed safely。
Media reports of an incident involving a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 from Doha to Shanghai Pudong International Airport， contain information which is ambiguous and misleading。
Qatar Airways’ priority always remains the safety and comfort of its passengers and crew。
Qatar Airways is working closely with the local authorities in China to establish the full facts of the incident before commenting further。