Cathay Pacific Flight CX431, scheduled to depart from Kaohsiung International Airport to Hong Kong on August 31, encountered a serious engine failure just before takeoff. The incident involved an Airbus A330-343, which was set to leave at 11:20 a.m. However, while taxiing on the runway, a loud noise was heard, initially causing speculation about a possible tire blowout. It was later discovered that the aircraft’s number two engine had suffered a malfunction, leading to an explosion and a visible hole in the engine.
Following the incident, the aircraft safely returned to the terminal, where the 275 passengers on board were disembarked. The delay lasted approximately 34 minutes as maintenance teams began their examination of the aircraft. Officials at Kaohsiung International Airport confirmed that repairs are underway, with passenger safety being the top priority. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Cathay Pacific responded swiftly, confirming that the technical issue occurred during taxiing for takeoff. The airline emphasized that the takeoff was aborted immediately, and the aircraft returned safely to the apron. The affected passengers will be rebooked on other flights scheduled to depart the same day, ensuring that they reach their destination with minimal disruption.
Passenger Support and Airline Statement
During the delay, Cathay Pacific provided meal vouchers to the passengers, aiming to ease the inconvenience caused by the unexpected event. The airline has reiterated that all decisions taken were in line with their commitment to prioritizing the safety of their customers and crew.
Cathay Pacific expressed deep apologies for the inconvenience experienced by the passengers and appreciated their understanding during the situation. The airline assured that safety remains its highest priority and that necessary measures were being taken to address the technical issue.
As repairs continue, Cathay Pacific, alongside airport officials in Kaohsiung, will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the engine failure. The airline has not provided a specific timeline for when the affected aircraft will return to service but has reassured customers that all safety protocols are being rigorously followed.
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