An AirAsia flight from Guangzhou, China to Johor Bahru, Malaysia turned back less than an hour after takeoff on 26 September. A passenger on flight AK1395 reported that oxygen masks were deployed in the cabin, and he could smell something burning.
Passenger recounts smelling smoke and feeling pain in his ears
Daniel Phoon shared on Facebook that he and his colleagues had been returning to Johor Bahru after finishing their work abroad. Less than an hour into the flight, which took off at 3:14 am, Phoon was just about to fall asleep when the oxygen masks were deployed. He quickly woke his colleagues up so they could put on their masks.
Phoon described the flight attendant’s voice as sounding “unstable” when she was making an in-flight announcement. He also recounted feeling pain in his ears due to air pressure, as well as seeing smoke on the plane. “I also smelled something burning,” he said. Phoon mentioned that passengers were not informed of what exactly happened, perhaps to avoid causing panic. “Thanks to the captain, we safely returned to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport,” he continued, adding that he was waiting for more information on their return flight to Malaysia and hoped everything would go smoothly.
Flight data and subsequent arrangements
Flightradar24 data showed the plane touched down in China after 5 am. Sin Chew Daily reported that another flight to Senai International Airport was arranged for the passengers, which departed at 6:20 pm that day.
AirAsia’s response and future implications
Fathership has reached out to AirAsia for comments. The airline has yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident. This event raises questions about the safety protocols and maintenance standards of AirAsia flights, especially on international routes. Passengers are advised to stay updated on any further developments and potential changes in flight schedules or safety measures.
