A Malaysia Airlines flight bound for Kuala Lumpur had to return to Hyderabad because of an 'engine issue'

A video, seemingly captured by a passenger, shows sparks emerging from one of the plane's engines.

A Malaysia Airlines flight en route from Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur was forced to turn back and return to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport due to an engine problem, the airline confirmed on Thursday.

The confirmation came after a video, purportedly filmed by a passenger, showed sparks coming from one of the plane's engines, which quickly went viral on social media. However, the airline did not specify the exact nature of the issue that prompted the pilots to return to Hyderabad.

"We confirm that flight MH199 turned back to Hyderabad because of an engine issue during its ascent after take-off. The plane safely landed at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 3:21 am local time, and all passengers and crew safely disembarked," stated the Sepang-based Malaysian flag carrier.

The airline also reassured that "Passengers affected will be rebooked on other flights to continue their journey. The aircraft is currently grounded for further inspection. Safety is of the highest priority for Malaysia Airlines."

The flight, headed for the Malaysian capital, was carrying 138 passengers. Sources noted that the landing was conducted with emergency protocols in place at RGIA Hyderabad.

In a related incident, a Virgin Australia passenger plane traveling from Queenstown, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, had to make an emergency landing in Invercargill, New Zealand, after one of its engines stopped working due to a fire. While the exact cause of the fire was not immediately known, Virgin Australia suggested a 'possible bird strike' as the reason.

Fire trucks met the plane upon its arrival in Invercargill about 50 minutes after takeoff from Queenstown. According to the New Zealand Herald, witnesses reported seeing the engine catch fire and hearing 'loud bangs' after takeoff.