A Malaysia Airlines flight en route from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah was forced to make an emergency landing at Chennai International Airport on Sunday after pilots reported an engine issue mid-air. Flight MH156, carrying 186 passengers, safely touched down after airport authorities declared a full emergency.
Emergency Protocol Initiated
Upon receiving the pilot's alert regarding a suspected fault in the aircraft's second engine, Chennai air traffic control immediately granted permission for an emergency landing. The airport swiftly implemented its full emergency protocol, deploying a comprehensive array of emergency services, including ambulances, fire engines, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, who were on standby as the plane approached.
The aircraft landed without incident, and all 186 passengers, along with the crew, were able to disembark safely. No injuries were reported, and all baggage was successfully removed from the plane. Airport operations subsequently returned to normal.
Investigation Underway
A spokesperson for Malaysia Airlines confirmed that a thorough assessment of the aircraft and the technical issue is currently being carried out by the airline’s technical teams. Additionally, aviation authorities in both Delhi and Chennai have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the precise cause of the engine problem.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another emergency landing less than a week prior, when an IndiGo flight from Goa to Delhi also experienced an engine problem, necessitating its return to Goa airport. Both incidents underscore the rigorous safety procedures in place within the aviation industry.