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Malaysia Airlines flight diverts to India after engine trouble

Malaysia Airlines flight MH156, carrying 186 passengers bound for Jeddah, made an emergency landing in Chennai, India, after experiencing engine problems mid-flight.

LSN Malaysia · 8 September 2026

Malaysia Airlines flight diverts to India after engine trouble

Malaysia Airlines flight MH156 was forced to divert to Chennai International Airport in India following the onset of engine difficulties during its journey to Saudi Arabia's holy city of Jeddah.

The aircraft, operating with 186 passengers on board, executed the emergency landing as a precautionary measure after crew members detected technical issues with one of the engines. The diversion was handled according to standard aviation safety protocols.

Chennai Airport, located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, served as the nearest suitable landing site for the wide-body aircraft. The emergency landing was completed without incident, and all passengers and crew members were reported to be safe.

Malaysia Airlines has not yet released further details regarding the specific nature of the engine malfunction or the timeline for continuing passenger journeys to their intended destination. The airline is expected to provide updates following technical inspections of the aircraft.

This incident adds to recent aviation safety events in the region, underscoring the importance of aircraft maintenance protocols and crew training in managing in-flight emergencies.