Snag-hit Chennai-Abu Dhabi flight forced to return

• An Etihad flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi returned to the gate
• The airline denied reports of a wing fire, citing a technical issue
• Passengers were disembarked and the flight faces a 3-hour delay

Chennai, May 12 (PTI) An Etihad Airways Chennai-Abu Dhabi flight on Tuesday returned due to a technical issue and there was no “fire”, the airline said.

The airline statement came after reports quoting

Chennai airport officials said that there was a fire on the left wing of the flight.

“Etihad Airways flight EY343 from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on 12 May returned to the gate prior to departure due to a technical issue and guests were subsequently disembarked.” “The flight is currently expected to depart approximately three hours behind schedule,” the airline said in a statement.

Emergency services were activated as a precautionary measure, based on the Chennai International Airport (MAA) safety protocols, it said.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and our teams are assisting guests with their onward journey,” it said.

The safety and comfort of its guests and crew remains Etihad’s “highest priority,” the airline added.

The operator also denied there was a fire onboard the aircraft. PTI CORR IAS SA SA KH