KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysia Airlines flight from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur was forced to land at Alice Springs, Australia following technical issues.
Malaysia Airlines in a statement said flight MH128, an Airbus A330-300 departing yesterday from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur, diverted to Alice Springs Airport due to a technical issue.
"The aircraft landed safely at 4.35am local time.
"The airline is actively working to rebook passengers on new flights, while also arranging accommodation and reimbursements for meal expenses where applicable," read the statement.
It said it was currently working with the airport handler to address equipment limitations for widebody aircraft and expedite the process.
"Our teams are dedicated to resolving this issue as quickly as possible to minimise further disruptions," it said, adding that passengers and crew safety and their well-being is of the highest priority.
An Australian media reported that the Airport Development Group, which manages the Alice Springs Airport, said engine issues sparked the landing.
Its executive general manager Rob Porter said all passengers disembarked and most passengers had been rebooked on domestic flights that departed today.
Previously, three Malaysia Airlines flights have made emergency landings.
On Aug 4, A Malaysia Airlines flight with 259 pilgrims bound for Jeddah returned to KLIA due to a technical problem soon after takeoff.
On June 24, a Bangkok-bound flight returned to KLIA after experiencing pressurisation issue.
On June 20, a Malaysia Airlines flight with over 100 passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur made an emergency landing at Hyderabad airport in India due to an engine problem.