Malaysia Airlines has responded to concerns expressed by passengers after one of its planes was forced to make an emergency landing in central Australia on January 18.
Flight MH122 was en route to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney, with some 224 passengers on board, when it experienced “technical difficulties” and was forced to land in Alice Springs. .
The pilots shut down one of the Airbus A330-300’s engines, after which passengers experienced “violent shakings”, according to reports.
In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said, it “deeply regrets” the distress experienced by passengers on the flight.
Group CEO Capt Izham Ismail said, “I apologise to all our guests over the incident and understand the anxiety experienced. The operating captain and the rest of the crew were in control at all times and made an accurate decision to obtain technical assistance from the nearest airport before landing the aircraft safely in Alice Springs.
“Based on reports received, there was a loud bang heard from the left hand engine. This was followed by a warning indicator that appeared on the electronic aircraft monitoring system.
“The captain then requested for the cabin crew to prepare for a normal landing. There was no chaos reported in the cabin. I thank all crew onboard for managing the situation by the book and in the calmest way possible. They crew performed their duties well, in line with their extensive training, in managing such situations. Safety was at no time, compromised.”
MAS said all affected passengers were accommodated at four hotels close to the airport and were provided meals and transportation and continued their journey to Kuala Lumpur on MH148 on Friday, January 19.
Passengers with onward connections were rebooked on to the next available flights to their destination.