KL-bound Malindo Air flight returns to Kuching

A Malindo Air flight en route from Kuching International Airport (KIA) to Kuala Lumpur was diverted back to Kuching this morning due to technical problems.

The MXD1601 flight was originally scheduled to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) at 11.20am.

A KIA spokesperson said the flight which departed at 9.35am returned to the airport about 10 minutes later.

"The (latest) rescheduled boarding time was about 12.15 noon but we cannot confirm the actual departure or take-off time yet. So, we are expecting at least a three-hour delay," she said adding that the delay was much regretted however necessary due to safety precaution.

Meanwhile, when contacted for clarification, Malindo Air CEO Chandran Rama Muthy explained that the pilot detected an increase in the temperature gauge located in the cockpit of the aircraft, which is an indicator that there was a problem.

"In accordance with aviation safety procedures, the pilot decided to turn to the nearest airport which was Kuching International Airport, where it originally departed earlier," said Chandran.