Engine failure forces Asiana Airlines flight to return to Incheon shortly after takeoff

An Asiana Airlines passenger flight bound for Narita, Japan, was forced to return to Incheon International Airport on Friday after experiencing an engine malfunction shortly after takeoff.

According to Incheon International Airport Corporation, flight OZ108 departed from Terminal 1 at 6:29 p.m. on June 21 but was forced to turn back and land at 7:29 p.m. due to an emergency situation.

A witness reported hearing a loud bang just minutes after takeoff, followed by visible flames from the aircraft’s left engine. The engine reportedly continued to emit thick black smoke.

In response, the Seoul Regional Office of Aviation issued a "full emergency" alert. Firefighting units at Incheon Airport were immediately deployed and stood by on the runway as a precaution.

The aircraft successfully landed on Runway 4 of Incheon Airport approximately one hour after departure.

A total of 263 people were onboard, including 239 passengers and 24 transit passengers. Asiana Airlines is reportedly arranging overnight accommodations for the affected travelers and is considering rescheduling the flight for early the next morning.

Initial investigations suggest the issue originated from the aircraft’s No. 1 engine. An official at Incheon Airport stated, “We are currently working to determine the exact cause of the incident.”