KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X Bhd today confirmed that flight D7237 flying from Perth, Australia to Kuala Lumpur on June 25 with 359 passengers on board had returned to Perth shortly after take-off due to a technical issue.
In a statement issued today, the airline said that the flight landed safely at Perth Airport at 10am.
“Passengers were attended to by our ground staff upon landing and were provided with all necessary assistance.
“Our engineers are taking precautionary steps to check the aircraft. Guests on board the flight (were) transferred to the next available flight or the recovery flight D7689, which safely departed Perth at 23:40 hours on the same day.
“The safety of our guests is our utmost priority,” added AirAsia X.
The Australian newspaper reported that a video uploaded on Instagram by a passenger using the handle “maesaya” captures the anxiety of those on board as the plane shook continuously.
The clip shows tense passengers looking around them as seats and overhead bins rattle non-stop. Flight crew are seen walking carefully in the aisles, but all passengers are seated with seatbelts on.
“maesaya” posted that she thought she “might die together with the video.”
Another passenger, Sophie Nicolas, was quoted as saying that the situation was “really bad” based on the cabin crew's reaction.
“(The flight captain) said ‘I hope you all say a prayer. I will be saying a prayer too and let’s hope we all get back home safely’."
The newspaper’s portal added that the aircraft was about 90 minutes into the flight when the pilot identified what AirAsia described as a “technical issue.” However, the airline is said to be investigating the incident, as “there was no indication that it was an engine issue.”
Quoting passengers, the site said the captain announced that there appeared to have been an engine seizure on the left side of the aircraft.
An airport spokesman said fire and emergency services were on hand to meet the plane when it landed. No one appeared to have been hurt.
Marine Rescue Services were also put on standby to prepare for a water landing off the coast of Western Australia.