Kuala Lumpur: An AirAsia flight bound for Shenzhen, China, had to make a turnback to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) shortly after takeoff due to a reported engine fire.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director (Operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar stated that the department was alerted about the emergency landing at 10.37 pm and dispatched a Fire Rescue Tender vehicle with nine personnel to the scene.

The flight, designated AK128, took off at 9.59 pm carrying 171 passengers and crew. It landed safely at KLIA 2 at 12.08 am, with the fire already extinguished. Ahmad Mukhlis reported that the Airbus A320-216 experienced a pneumatic ducting burst, and the fire was contained by the onboard Halon system before landing.

He further mentioned that firefighters assisted in evacuating passengers and ensured there were 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.