A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 bound for Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) had to return to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) after an engine fire incident.
Flight MH 705 departed Manila at approximately 17:22 local time on March 15, 2025. Shortly after it took off, the flight crew reported a fire engine and was forced to turn around and land the aircraft back in Manila.
The B737-800, with registration 9M-MSB, was able to safely land in Manila, and all passengers and crew were able to disembark without any reported injuries.
One of the passengers onboard was able to take photographs from the window seat and uploaded these toX, where the passenger documented his “scary experience.”
The post included a photograph of one of the engines emitting fire, which is presumably after takeoff.
🚨Scary experience!
— Dasun Hegoda 👨💻 (@dasunhegoda) March 15, 2025
I was on @MAS flight MH705 when the engine failed & caught fire after takeoff from Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport, #Philippines.
Huge thanks to the pilots & cabin crew for keeping us safe. 🙏@Boeing @BoeingAirplanes @boeing pic.twitter.com/baKuZyG85L
The passenger thanked Malaysia AIrlines’ crew and flight attendants for ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Malaysia Airlines responded to the post, saying: “We are relieved to hear that you are safe and truly appreciate your understanding during such a difficult situation.
The safety and well-being of our passengers are our top priority, and we deeply regret any disruption to your travel plans.”
While there is no official statement from the airline confirming the cause of the engine fire, some media outlets have reported that the incident may have been caused by a bird strike.