Malaysia Airlines flight, with 186 passengers onboard, diverts to Chennai after engine snag

NEW DELHI: A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah was diverted to Chennai on Monday after a technical issue involving one of its engines, with a full emergency declared at the airport before the aircraft landed safely.Malaysia Airlines flight MH 156 was carrying 186 people when it was diverted. The aircraft landed safely and the airport activated the necessary emergency response arrangements.The technical problem involved "Engine No.2", an airport official said."Further assessment of the aircraft and the technical issue is being carried out by the airline and relevant technical teams," the spokesperson said, adding operations are normal.The aircraft was later moved to a parking bay using a tow vehicle, while the passengers were provided accommodation at the airport.Emergency teams put on standbyFollowing the diversion, the relevant airport operational and emergency agencies were alerted and arrangements were made to handle the aircraft's arrival safely.The aircraft landed without any untoward incident. The airline's technical teams are now assessing the reported engine issue.Airport operations continued normally after the aircraft was brought to the parking area.Air India Express flight also divertedSeparately, an Air India Express flight from Tiruchirappalli to Singapore was also diverted to Chennai on Monday following a technical issue.A "local standby was declared" at Chennai airport and emergency response arrangements were kept ready.The aircraft landed safely and vacated the runway on its own power. The airline's engineering and technical team is assessing the issue."All operations are normal," the official added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.