AirAsia Flight AK128

SEPANG, 27 March 2025 – AirAsia confirms that flight AK128, operating from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Shenzhen (SZX) on Wednesday, 26 March 2025,  performed a safe air return to KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA T2) approximately two hours after takeoff due to a technical issue in one of the engines that triggered an abnormal indication. The pilots followed established procedures for this indication and requested a priority landing to ensure the safety of all guests and crew on board. The aircraft landed without incident at KLIA T2 at 12:06 AM.

All 171 guests and six crew members disembarked and the guests were transferred to another aircraft, which departed at 3:46 AM. The replacement flight landed in Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport at 7:51 AM on 27 March 2025.

AirAsia confirms that there was no engine fire. Upon inspection, it was found that the indication was due to a damaged duct causing hot air to be released, requiring the aircraft to return to the bay for rectification. It is expected to return to service on 31 March 2025.

Datuk Captain Chester Voo, Deputy Group CEO (Airline Operations) AirAsia Aviation Group said: “Upon investigation, AirAsia would like to confirm that there was no engine fire as mentioned in recent media reports. There was an abnormal indication in one of the engines, and the flight crew acted swiftly, and took the appropriate actions, following established safety and operational protocols. Our pilots and cabin crew are highly trained to handle such situations and the aircraft landed safely with no further incident after the appropriate procedures were conducted.

“We thank Malaysia Airports, the Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) team and relevant safety authorities for their swift response and cooperation. We also thank our guests on flight AK128 for their understanding and patience and ensured that a replacement flight was promptly arranged to connect them. Safety is always our top priority, and AirAsia remains steadfast in upholding the highest safety standards to ensure the well-being of our passengers and crew at all times,” Voo added.