Malaysia Airlines flight diverted to Chennai after engine issue, lands safely with 186 onboard

Chennai: Emergency response teams at Chennai airport were activated on Monday after a Malaysia Airlines flight operating from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah was diverted to the city following a technical issue involving one of its engines.

The Boeing aircraft, operating as Malaysia Airlines flight MH156, was carrying 186 people when it made a safe landing at Chennai airport, according to an airport official.

A full emergency was declared at the airport following the reported technical problem involving Engine No. 2 of the aircraft.

The aircraft was safely brought to the ground, following which the airline's technical teams and other relevant personnel began assessing the aircraft to determine the nature and extent of the problem.

“Further assessment of the aircraft and the technical issue is being carried out by the airline and relevant technical teams,” the airport spokesperson said.

Despite the emergency response, normal airport operations continued without disruption, the official added.

The airline's technical personnel are expected to complete their assessment before a decision is taken on the aircraft's onward journey.

Meanwhile, an Air India Express flight operating from Tiruchirappalli to Singapore was diverted to Chennai International Airport following a technical issue.

In view of the situation, a “local standby” was declared at Chennai airport, with all necessary emergency response arrangements put in place to facilitate the aircraft’s safe arrival.

The aircraft landed safely and vacated the runway under its own power. No untoward incident was reported.

Following the declaration of the local standby, airport operational and emergency response agencies were placed on alert and kept ready to respond if required.

The airline’s engineering and technical teams are assessing the reported issue. “All operations are normal,” an airport official said.

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