Chinese authorities confirmed that an 80-year-old woman caused a major flight delay in Shanghai after throwing coins at a plane’s engine for good luck. The incident forced the evacuation of more than 150 passengers and prompted a full safety inspection.
The woman, identified by her surname Qiu, was boarding a China Southern Airlines flight at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Tuesday. As she crossed the tarmac, she tossed nine coins toward the jet engine while “praying for a safe journey,” according to local police.
Only one coin hit the engine, but it was enough to trigger an emergency response. Ground staff immediately notified authorities after another passenger noticed the strange act and reported it. The aircraft was grounded for several hours as engineers conducted a detailed inspection to ensure passenger safety.
“In order to make sure the flight is safe, China Southern maintenance has conducted a full examination of the plane’s engine,” the airline said in a statement posted on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo. Police later confirmed that the total value of the coins was about 1.7 yuan, or roughly $0.25.
Qiu was traveling with her family and told police she believed the gesture would protect everyone on board. Officers questioned her but decided not to press charges, citing her age and intent. Neighbors told local media that she is a devout Buddhist and often prays for good fortune before major trips.
Throwing coins for luck is a traditional practice in parts of China, but it poses serious dangers in aviation. Even a small metal object inside a jet engine can cause catastrophic damage. Authorities in China have issued repeated warnings against such actions in recent years. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has previously reminded travelers that tossing coins near planes violates public safety laws and can lead to criminal penalties. (Civil Aviation Administration of China)
The flight eventually departed after engineers cleared the aircraft, though the delay disrupted schedules for hours. China Southern Airlines thanked passengers for their patience and reminded travelers to follow all boarding instructions for their own safety.
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