PETALING JAYA: The AirAsia flight from Tawau to Kuala Lumpur that turned back shortly after takeoff on Saturday (Dec 7) was due to a bird strike affecting the engines.
In a statement, AirAsia confirmed that Flight AK5741 returned to Tawau International Airport due to a technical alert related to one of its engines.
"The flight crew, following strict safety and operational protocols, opted for a precautionary turnback to ensure the safety of all on board,” said the airline.
It added that the aircraft landed safely at Tawau International Airport, with all 177 guests and crew disembarking without incident.
"Subsequent engineering inspections identified the cause of the alert as a bird strike impacting the engine. The affected aircraft was thoroughly inspected, repaired, and returned to normal operations," it said.
AirAsia said the affected guests were well taken care of during the situation, with a replacement flight departing Tawau at 9.58pm on the same evening.
"They were also provided with Service Recovery Options, including the choice of a free flight change, credit to their account, or a full refund, alongside travel vouchers as an added gesture of goodwill," it said.
Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group Datuk Captain Chester Voo emphasised the airline’s commitment to safety.
“Safety is always our top priority. Our pilots and crew responded promptly and professionally, adhering to established procedures.
"We extend our gratitude to the airport operator and Air Traffic Control for their swift assistance in managing the bird strike situation, which is a known challenge within the aviation industry despite ongoing mitigation efforts," he said.
According to the statement, AirAsia, in collaboration with Malaysia Airports and other key stakeholders, is actively working to address bird strike risks through its Wildlife Management Programme.
"This initiative focuses on bird strike mitigation at identified hotspots across domestic airports, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to operational safety.
“We sincerely thank our guests on Flight AK5741 for their understanding and patience during this unforeseen event.
AirAsia remains steadfast in upholding the highest safety standards to ensure the well-being of our passengers and crew at all times,” Voo added.
