Updated: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 12:18:01 PM

AirAsia plane skids at Kuching airport


KUALA LUMPUR: An AirAsia flight to Kuching skidded off the runway Monday night and landed on the grass verge, leaving four passengers with minor injuries.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said flight AK5218, which is an Airbus A320, was carrying 124 passengers and six crew members.

"The plane was landing during a downpour and that is when it skidded," he said Tuesday.

Kong said the plane had landed on soft soil on the verge of the runway. AirAsia and Kuching International Airport staff have been working to remove the plane for checks.

As a result of the incident, services at the airport have been was disrupted, with up to 11 flights to the airport affected.

"I expect services at the airport to resume by noon," he said after opening the National Maritime Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Datuk Tony Fernandes tweeted the incident and said that his staff were working to remove the plane.

"Working hard to remove aircraft. All passengers are home," Fernandes said in his tweet.


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