Firefly flight forced to turn back, landed in Penang safely

A Firefly flight that was bound for Kota Bharu today, was forced to turn back after it experienced technical problems.

Firefly Airlines said Flight FY1002, a codeshare with Malaysia Airlines Flight MH9948 that departed Penang International Airport at 6.55am, was forced to turn back because aircraft's landing gear was unable to retract after being airborne.

"As safety is of the utmost priority to Firefly Airlines, the aircraft was required to turn back to Penang.

"This was a normal landing, therefore Airport Fire Rescue Services was not required to be deployed," the airline said in a statement.

The Airline said the flight had landed safely in Penang at 7.30am, today.

"All 64 passengers and four crew members on board have disembarked from the aircraft.

"FY1002/MH9948 was retimed and departed from Penang at 8:50am today and arrived safely in Kota Bharu at 9.50am."