A Malaysia Airlines (MAS) plane with 166 people aboard was forced to make an emergency landing here early Monday in another blow to the flag-carrier’s safety image after the loss of flight MH370.
Flight MH192, bound for Bangalore in India, turned back to Kuala Lumpur shortly after it was discovered that a tyre had burst on take-off, the airline said.
“As safety is of utmost priority to Malaysia Airlines, the aircraft was required to turn back to KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport),” the airline said in a statement.
The episode caused deep anxiety among passengers, with some crying or reciting prayers as the plane circled for hours off the coast, media reported.
The plane circled in order to burn up fuel – a common practice in such landings, designed to make the plane lighter and minimise fire risks.
