Firefly flight bound for Kota Baru forced to turn back

GEORGE TOWN: A Firefly flight bound for Kota Bahru was required to turn back to Penang International Airport, less than half an hour after departing at 6.55am Thursday.

A media statement issued by the airlines said flight FY1002, a code share with Malaysia Airlines flight MH9948, was forced to turn back due to technical difficulties.

“This was because the aircraft’s landing gear was unable to retract after being airborne.

“As safety is of utmost priority to Firefly Airlines, the aircraft was required to turn back to Penang.

“This was a normal landing, therefore Airport Fire Rescue Services was not required to be deployed,” the statement said.

The aircraft landed safely at Penang International Airport at 7.30am.

The statement said all 64 passengers and four crew members onboard were safely disembarked from the aircraft. 

“FY1002/MH9948 was retimed and departed from Penang at 8:50am on 24 April 2014 and arrived safely in Kota Bharu at 9.50am the same day,” the statement added.

The ATR 72 aircraft (pic) has been sent to Firefly’s base in Subang for repairs.

This incident comes days after Malaysia Airlines flight MH192 bound for Bangalore, India was forced to make an emergency landing due to a burst tire early Monday morning.