China Airlines diverts Taiwan-Thailand flight to Hong Kong over abnormal signals

A China Airlines flight going from Taiwan to Thailand was diverted to Hong Kong two hours after take-off on Saturday morning, which a passenger said was due to an engine malfunction announced by crew.

Authorities said the plane requested “local standby” at Hong Kong International Airport at around 9am.

The term refers to a situation in which an aircraft approaching an airport is known or suspected to have developed a defect, but the issue does not pose a significant difficulty in making a safe landing.

“The flight landed safely and the airport operations were not affected,” the Airport Authority said.

Media reported that China Airlines flight 851, which left Taiwan Taoyuan Airport at around 7.26am, was the flight involved. It was heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The carrier reportedly said the plane was diverted to Hong Kong for inspection under standard operating procedures due to abnormal mechanical signals.