Returned to Incheon Airport 1 Hour After Takeoff

An Asiana Airlines passenger plane heading to Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan, experienced engine issues during flight and made an emergency return.

The aircraft, carrying 263 passengers, landed safely at Incheon International Airport after approximately one hour, and no injuries have been reported.

According to Asiana Airlines and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 22nd, flight OZ108, which took off from Incheon Airport at 6:50 PM on the previous day (21st), reported flames and smoke coming from one of its engines during the flight. The aircraft was an Airbus A330-300, which is approximately 11 years and 8 months old.

The captain immediately decided to return to the airport following emergency procedures, and the aircraft landed safely at Incheon Airport at 7:42 PM. Asiana Airlines stated, "All passengers are safe, and there are no injuries."

Aircraft Replacement Scheduled for 4:30 AM Departure

The aircraft that encountered problems was originally scheduled to head to Narita Airport in Japan, but operations were halted to avoid exceeding the night take-off and landing restrictions (curfew time).

Asiana Airlines plans to deploy a replacement aircraft for a scheduled departure to Narita at 4:30 AM on the 22nd, and the passengers are resting in a lounge at Incheon Airport.

The airline explained, "We are providing accommodation or resting spaces to ensure maximum convenience for passengers, and we are also reviewing compensation options."

Commencing Detailed Inspections… Investigating Potential Bird Strike

Asiana Airlines is currently conducting detailed inspections on the returned aircraft. They are particularly investigating the possibility of mechanical defects in the engine and damage caused by external factors such as bird strikes.

An airline official stated, "We are comprehensively reviewing the aircraft's age and maintenance history, and we plan to closely analyze the cause of the incident in cooperation with relevant agencies."

This emergency return raises safety concerns amidst a recovery in global air travel demand, drawing attention to the subsequent responses from authorities and airlines.

Image sources: Provided by Asiana Airlines, Provided by Insight