Relatives of those still onboard lost AirAsia flight QZ8501 are still awaiting news at the holding area in Changi Airport’s Terminal 2.
According to recent AFP updates, the airport is providing them with refreshments and emotional support through trained counsellors.
Said airport spokesperson Ivan Tan, none of the relatives stayed overnight at the airport. They began arriving at about 8am in the morning and would often leave the area to “stretch their legs” so that at any given time there might be “20-10” people in it.
Officials cannot confirm if there will be another flight taking any relatives in Singapore to Surabaya today. But Ivan Tan said that relatives have the option of doing that. AirAsia is liaising with various airlines to secure seats for the relatives.
Tan warned against “generalising too much” about the relatives’ situation.
“It is difficult for bystanders to guess what their emotional states are right now.”
Meanwhile, the atmosphere outside of the holding area was described as “pretty muted” early this morning when AFP’s Stefanus Ian first arrived.
He said many onlookers weren’t aware of the situation and have been asking if the TV crews and media are awaiting the arrival of a celebrity.
He also reported there to be at least four policemen guarding the entrance of the relatives holding area each time.
Photo: Holding area for relatives of QZ8501 passengers heavily guarded by policemen; AFP / Mohd Fyrol
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