It was tense until we left North Korean airspace, says pilot

SEPANG: Despite having flown rescue missions into conflict areas like Libya, Lt Colonel Hasrizan Kamis, who flew the nine stranded Malaysian embassy staff in North Korea home, only started breathing easy upon leaving North Korean airspace.

The airman, who has 26 years experience under his belt, flew with a Royal Malaysian Air Force crew of two pilots, two co-pilots and two quartermasters.