A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 186 people made a safe emergency landing at Chennai airport on Monday evening after developing a technical problem involving one of its engines while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah. Flight MH156, operated by an Airbus A330-200, was diverted to Chennai after the crew reported a problem with Engine No. 2, prompting airport authorities to declare a full emergency and activate emergency response arrangements.
Full emergency declared
The full emergency was declared at Chennai airport at 4.07 pm after the aircraft sought a diversion. The flight was scheduled to arrive at 4.40 pm and eventually touched down safely at 4.44 pm. It was subsequently assigned Bay 45, while emergency teams remained prepared to respond.
Ambulances, fire engines and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were kept on standby as part of the precautionary measures before the aircraft landed. No injuries were reported among those on board.
A senior Chennai airport official said the aircraft made a smooth landing and confirmed that everyone aboard was safe. Airport operations continued normally following the incident.
Aircraft under assessment
The aircraft and the technical problem are being assessed by Malaysia Airlines and relevant technical teams to determine the nature and cause of the engine issue.
Further details regarding arrangements for the passengers' onward journey to Jeddah were awaited. The incident comes amid continued scrutiny of aviation safety procedures, with emergency protocols requiring airports to mobilise fire, medical and security personnel whenever an aircraft reports a potentially serious technical problem before landing.