Airasia flight to Shenzhen returns safely after engine scare
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
On March 26, 2025, AirAsia Flight AK128, an Airbus A320 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen, China, experienced an engine issue shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 9:59 PM local time but returned safely to KLIA Terminal 2 at approximately 12:06 AM. All 171 passengers and six crew members disembarked without incident. This is according to Malay Mail.
Damaged duct released hot air
Initial reports from Malaysia's Selangor state fire department indicated that a «pneumatic ducting burst» caused a fire in the right engine shortly after departure.
However, AirAsia clarified that there was no engine fire; instead, a damaged duct released hot air, triggering an abnormal engine indication.
Following standard safety protocols, the pilots requested priority landing and returned to KLIA. Passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, which departed at 3:46 AM and arrived at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport at 7:51 AM on March 27.
Acted swiftly and appropriately
AirAsia's Deputy Group CEO (Airline Operations), Datuk Captain Chester Voo, emphasized that the flight crew acted swiftly and appropriately, adhering to established safety procedures. He reiterated the airline's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards for passengers and crew.
The affected aircraft is expected to return to service on March 31 after necessary rectifications. Malaysia's aviation authority will investigate the incident to ensure continued adherence to safety protocols.
Is AirAsia a safe and secure airline?
AirAsia is considered a safe and secure airline with a strong track record in aviation safety. As a leading low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia, AirAsia operates under stringent safety standards set by international aviation authorities such as:
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Malaysian Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM)
The airline's fleet consists primarily of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, known for their strong safety records. AirAsia also invests in rigorous pilot training and follows industry-standard maintenance procedures.
Recent safety incidents involving AirAsia
While AirAsia has maintained a good safety record overall, a few incidents have been reported over the years. None of these resulted in major casualties in recent years. Below are notable incidents:
AirAsia Flight AK128 (March 26, 2025)
Route: Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen, China
Incident: Engine issue shortly after takeoff due to a pneumatic ducting burst. Initial reports suggested a fire, but AirAsia clarified that no engine fire occurred. The aircraft returned safely to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and passengers were transferred to another flight.
Outcome: No injuries or casualties.
AirAsia Indonesia Flight QZ8501 (December 28, 2014)
Route: Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore
Incident: Airbus A320-200 crashed into the Java Sea due to a combination of poor weather and a malfunctioning rudder control system.
Outcome: Tragically, all 162 passengers and crew on board perished.
Result: Following the incident, AirAsia implemented stricter safety protocols and increased pilot training.
AirAsia Flight AK6443 (June 7, 2023)
Route: Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, Malaysia
Incident: A bird strike shortly after takeoff prompted the pilots to return safely to Kuala Lumpur.
Outcome: No casualties or injuries, and the incident was handled according to standard safety protocols.
AirAsia Flight I5-782 (April 2022)
Route: Bengaluru to Kolkata, India
Incident: The flight had to return to Bengaluru shortly after takeoff due to a suspected engine malfunction.
Outcome: Safe landing with no casualties.
AirAsia’s response and safety improvements
After the 2014 crash, AirAsia introduced several enhancements to its safety protocols:
Improved pilot training and simulation programs
Enhanced weather monitoring and avoidance systems
Stronger maintenance checks and oversight
Recognition and awards
AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax for 13 consecutive years (2009–2023).
The airline maintains a seven-star safety rating from Airlineratings.com, reflecting its compliance with international safety standards.
Is AirAsia safe?
Yes, AirAsia is considered a safe and secure airline. While it has experienced isolated incidents, the airline maintains high safety standards and has improved its protocols over the years. Passengers can fly with confidence, knowing that AirAsia adheres to international aviation safety guidelines.
