KUALA LUMPUR- On March 27, 2025, an AirAsia (AK) flight AK128 bound for Shenzhen, China (SZX), experienced an engine malfunction shortly after takeoff, necessitating an immediate return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2).
The aircraft involved in the incident is an Airbus A320-216, registered as 9M-AQG. It encountered a pneumatic ducting burst that triggered an onboard fire suppression response.
Photo- FlightRadar24AirAsia Flight Emergency Landing
The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department was alerted at 10:37 pm and rapidly deployed emergency resources. Nine firefighting personnel arrived at the scene, prepared to manage potential complications.
The flight, which originally departed at 9:59 pm, successfully landed at 12:08 am, with the onboard Halon fire suppression system effectively containing the initial fire incident.
Picture Credits- Selangor Bomba; Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) picture.According to Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar, the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department’s assistant director of Operations, the aircraft’s integrated safety systems performed effectively.
The pneumatic ducting burst was immediately addressed by the onboard fire containment mechanisms, preventing potential escalation of the emergency.
Airport fire and rescue personnel from KLIA Fire and Rescue Station collaborated to ensure passenger safety. Three specialized personnel assisted in evacuating passengers and conducting comprehensive safety assessments to eliminate any residual fire hazards.
Photo: By Laurent ERRERA from L’Union, France; Wikimedia CommonsOfficial Statement
AirAsia has provided a comprehensive account of a technical incident involving flight AK128 to Shenzhen, China, emphasizing that the aircraft experienced a safe return due to an engine-related technical issue rather than an actual engine fire.
The airline’s official statement detailed the sequence of events surrounding the flight’s unexpected return. Upon encountering an abnormal engine indication, the flight crew followed established safety protocols and requested a priority landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2.
Investigations revealed that the technical issue stemmed from a damaged duct causing hot air release, which necessitated the aircraft’s return to the bay for immediate rectification. The airline confirmed that no engine fire occurred, contrary to initial media reports.
The flight’s operational management demonstrated professional handling of the situation. The aircraft landed without incident at 12:06 am, with all 171 passengers and six crew members safely disembarking. AirAsia promptly arranged a replacement aircraft, which departed at 3:46 am and successfully landed in Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at 7:51 am on March 27.
Datuk Captain Chester Voo, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, emphasized the crew’s swift and appropriate actions. He highlighted the extensive training of pilots and cabin crew in managing such technical situations, underscoring the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.
The airline expressed gratitude to Malaysia Airports, the Airport Fire and Rescue Service team, and relevant safety authorities for their immediate response and cooperation. AirAsia also thanked passengers for their understanding and patience during the incident.
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