Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah diverted to Chennai after engine issue, full emergency declared

The aircraft landed without any untoward incident. Representational Pic/File

A Malaysia Airlines flight travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah was diverted to Chennai on Monday after a technical issue involving one of its engines, prompting a full emergency response at Chennai International Airport, reported the PTI.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH156, carrying 186 people, landed safely in Chennai, officials said. Emergency response teams were placed on standby at the airport as the aircraft was assessed.

According to an airport official, the technical issue involved Engine No. 2.

The airline and relevant technical teams are carrying out further checks to determine the nature of the problem. Officials said normal airport operations were not affected, the news agency reported.

After landing, the aircraft was moved to a parking bay using a tow vehicle. Passengers were provided accommodation at the airport while further arrangements were made.

Emergency teams put on alert

Following the diversion, appropriate emergency response arrangements were activated at Chennai airport.

The airport's operational and emergency agencies were kept ready to deal with the aircraft's arrival and ensure the safety of passengers and crew, as per the PTI.

The aircraft landed without any untoward incident.

Air India Express flight also diverted

In a separate incident on Monday, an Air India Express flight travelling from Tiruchirappalli to Singapore was also diverted to Chennai because of a technical issue, reported the IANS.

Flight IX 415, operated by a Boeing 737, was around 50 minutes into its journey and flying at 36,000 feet when the crew noticed a rapid drop in the oil quantity of Engine 1, according to reports.

The pilots carried out a FORDEC assessment, a structured aviation decision-making process, and decided to return to Kochi as the engine oil level continued to fall, according to the IANS.

The commander informed air traffic control and the aircraft reversed course while the crew continued monitoring the engine parameters and preparing for possible contingencies.

Reports said Engine 1 oil pressure later began fluctuating and entered the red zone on the cockpit gauge, indicating a significant drop in pressure.

The aircraft nevertheless landed safely at Cochin International Airport.

Following the incident, passengers were transferred to Abu Dhabi on an alternative aircraft, Air India Express said.

Officials said airport operations remain normal.

(with PTI and IANS inputs)