27-3-2025 (KUALA LUMPUR) During the late hours of Wednesday evening, an AirAsia Airbus A320-216 executing flight AK128 was forced to execute an emergency protocol and return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 following reports of an engine fire.
The aircraft, carrying 171 souls aboard, including passengers and crew members, had barely commenced its journey to Shenzhen, China, when the incident occurred. Having departed at 9:59 PM, the flight crew successfully implemented emergency procedures, with the aircraft touching down safely at KLIA 2 shortly after midnight.
According to Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar, the assistant director of operations at the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department, the emergency response was initiated promptly upon receiving the alert at 10:37 PM. A specialised Fire Rescue Tender vehicle, manned by nine skilled personnel, was dispatched to handle the situation.
Technical investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a pneumatic ducting burst. The aircraft’s built-in Halon fire suppression system effectively contained the fire before the emergency landing, showcasing the effectiveness of modern aviation safety systems.
The emergency response demonstrated seamless coordination between various authorities. The KLIA Fire and Rescue Station took charge of the operation, working in tandem with three Airport Fire and Rescue Service personnel.
