SINGAPORE: Indonesian Louis Sitharta and her fiance Alain Oktavianus Siaun were supposed to spend their time together in Singapore for a vacation before they get married next year.
The couple made separate plans for the vacation as Alain's family was also coming.
As fate would have it, Alain, 27, his parents and three brothers were booked on Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ8501 while Louis was booked at a later flight.
"I heard the news about an airplane that had gone missing on the radio while I was on my way to the airport. I then searched the internet and found out that it was Alains's flight.
"They had planned the vacation on their own as this was supposed to be their last vacation as a family before we get married next May. We were supposed to meet up here," said Louis, 25.
She said she arrived at Terminal 2 of Changi Airport at about 3pm and immediately went to the relatives holding area to get more information.
"All the relatives are still waiting for more updates. I am thinking positive thoughts and hope that they would be found soon," said Louis.
She was speaking to the media outside the holding area. She was the only next of kin who was willing to speak to the media as the others were sequestered in the room.
Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ8501 from Surabaya to Singapore lost contact with Jakarta air traffic control at 7.24am.
Meanwhile, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) said, there are 47 relatives and friends of 57 passengers of flight QZ8501 have registered at the relative holding area.
In a statement, CAG said the relatives are receiving help and support from 36 CAG care officers and four counsellors from the Social and Family Development Ministry. Officials from Air Asia and the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore are also present.