KUALA LUMPUR – A Shenzhen-bound AirAsia flight had to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) for an emergency landing shortly after taking off due to a reported engine fire.
Flight AK128, which departed at 9.59pm last night carrying 171 passengers and crew, landed safely at KLIA 2 at 12.08am, with the fire already extinguished.
The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department was alerted about the emergency landing at 10.37pm and dispatched a Fire Rescue Tender vehicle with nine personnel to the scene, said assistant director (Operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar in a statement.
“The operations officer reported that the Airbus A320-216 was impacted by a pneumatic ducting burst and the fire was contained by the onboard Halon system before landing,” said Mukhlis.
Firefighters also assisted in evacuating passengers and ensured no further fire hazards.
The operation, led by the KLIA Fire and Rescue Station, also involved three personnel from the Airport Fire and Rescue Service. – March 27, 2025