Malaysia Airlines plane headed to Jeddah diverted over engine issue

 The plane made a safe emergency landing at Chennai airport instead.

Malaysia Airlines and the relevant technical teams are carrying out further assessments of the aircraft and the issue.

HYDERABAD:

A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah was diverted to Chennai in India yesterday after a suspected problem with one of its engines, Indian media reported.

Flight MH156, carrying 186 passengers, made a safe emergency landing at Chennai airport and was moved to a parking bay, while the passengers were given accommodation at the airport, according to a Times of India report.

“There was a technical issue involving engine No 2. The airline and relevant technical teams are carrying out further assessments of the aircraft and the issue,” an airport spokesman told news agency PTI.

The flight departed from Kuala Lumpur at 3.30pm. When the pilot suspected that the engine was malfunctioning, he asked air traffic control for permission to land in Chennai, The Hindu newspaper reported, citing Airports Authority of India officials. - FMT