Bangalore-bound MAS flight turns back to KLIA mid-way (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH0104 to Bangalore, India was forced to turn back to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), early today believed to be due to technical issues.
According to one of the passengers Seri Andalas assemblyman Dr Xavier Jayakumar, the airplane had departed the KLIA at 9.45am, today and was supposed to reach Bangalore by 1.45pm (local time).
"It was relatively a smooth flight. However around 12.25pm, the pilot announces that the flight will be turning back to KLIA due to technical issues.
"Thankfully after two hours and 40 minutes, the plane landed safely back at KLIA," he told theSun when contacted.
While commending the pilot and cabin crew for handling the situation well, Xavier questioned the decision to head back all the way to KLIA.
"We were approximately only one hour and 20 minutes away from Bangalore. Why couldn't the plane land there?
"Chennai or Colombo could have been possible landing areas as well. I hope that MAS will be able to provide a satisfactory explanation," he added.
At present, Xavier said the passengers are waiting at KLIA for MAS' followup action.
Xavier was among 60 Malaysian delegates from PKR, DAP and MIC heading for India's annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident India Day) Conference at Bangalore which begins from tomorrow to Monday.
Among those travelling in the flight included Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said the flight experienced a technical issue and the aircraft landed uneventfully at 2.10 pm.
"All passengers and crew safely disembarked and MH104 resumed on another aircraft which departed at 4.15 pm today, expected to arrive Bangalore at 5.30 pm.
"Safety is Malaysia Airlines' number one priority at all times. Malaysia Airlines deeply regrets any inconvenience," it added.