Malaysia Airlines emergency landing: all onboard flight from Hyderabad safe, says airline rep

Spokesperson says company working to reassign passengers to different flights as they had to disembark after plane turned back due to engine fire

A Malaysia Airlines representative has said that all onboard MH199, which had to make an emergency landing in Hyderabad due to engine issues, are safe. Picture for illustration purposes. – Azim Rahman/Scoop file pic, June 20, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Passengers and crew on the Malaysian Airlines flight MH199 that was forced to make an emergency landing in Hyderabad due to an engine fire early this morning are safe and unharmed, a spokesperson from the airline said.

The representative, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak, told Scoop the airline is also working to reassign passengers to different flights to continue their onward journeys.

The spokesman has yet to respond to further questions on whether alternative flights have already been arranged, if passengers are on their way, or if they are still stranded in Hyderabad.

“The aircraft landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 3.21am local time, and the crew and passengers disembarked from the plane safely.

“The flight had to perform an emergency landing due to an issue with one of the engines shortly after take-off,” the spokesman said.

The plane is presently stationed at the airport in Hyderabad and is undergoing further inspection to ensure its safety and operational readiness.

MH199 departed Hyderabad for Kuala Lumpur at 12.45 am today but was forced to return for an emergency landing after one of its engines caught fire mid-air.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 138 passengers.

A video shared on X depicted sparks emanating from the aircraft’s right engine. 

According to Hindi channel NDTV.com, the plane circled briefly above the airport before receiving permission for an emergency landing. – June 20, 2024.