A Bali holiday quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal for passengers on board AirAsia flight QZ545, after the aircraft was forced to make an emergency return to Perth Airport following engine issues shortly after take-off.
The Airbus A320, which departed Perth at around 6.30pm, had just begun its journey when several passengers reported seeing “flames” coming from one of the engines. The pilot was then forced to circle near Rottnest Island to burn fuel before attempting a safe landing back at Perth. According to travellers, the cabin lights were switched off during this time, adding to the tension inside the aircraft.
Videos taken by passengers showed fire trucks on standby as the plane landed about an hour after take-off. Fortunately, the aircraft touched down safely with no reported injuries. Passengers described hearing loud bangs and seeing flashes near the engine, with one saying: “At first we thought it was lightning, but being seated at the exit row, we saw the explosion and flames clearly.”
Emergency Landing and Swift Crew Response
Perth Airport later confirmed that the emergency landing was due to engine problems that occurred during take-off. All 180 passengers were safely disembarked, with many visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Captain Achmad Sadikin, CEO of Indonesia AirAsia, explained that the decision to return was precautionary after detecting an “abnormality” in the engine. He reassured the public that the crew responded “swiftly and in full accordance with established procedures.” Throughout the situation, passengers were kept informed, while arrangements were made to provide overnight support and rebooking.
By the following morning, passengers were transferred to two separate flights to Bali. While the disruption frustrated holidaymakers, many expressed relief that the crew’s quick action averted a potentially disastrous outcome.
Growing Concerns Over Flight Safety
The incident has reignited discussions about flight safety and engine reliability, especially on short-haul routes between Australia and Bali — one of the busiest holiday corridors in the region. Aviation experts note that such mid-air turnbacks, while frightening for passengers, are not uncommon and are often precautionary measures rather than indicators of catastrophic failure.
For travellers, however, the sight of flames coming from an engine is enough to leave a lasting impression. Many passengers shared their experiences on social media, with one writing: “We were supposed to start our Bali holiday, but instead, it felt like the scariest night of our lives.”