Malaysia Airlines engine scare shuts Narita runway, 160 on board safe
Synopsis
A Malaysia Airlines jet with 160 people on board aborted its takeoff at Narita Airport after black smoke was spotted near its engine, forcing the closure of Runway A. With no injuries reported and investigations underway, the incident raises fresh questions about pre-flight engine checks at one of Asia's busiest international hubs.
Key Takeaways
A Malaysia Airlines aircraft with 160 crew and passengers aborted takeoff at Narita Airport on 20 August after black smoke appeared near its engine.
Runway A at Narita Airport was closed for inspection following the incident.
Emergency services including fire engines and ambulances responded; no injuries have been reported.
Authorities confirmed investigations are underway to determine the cause of the engine anomaly.
In a separate incident, four maintenance workers were struck by an express train in Tochigi Prefecture and hospitalised in an unconscious state.
A Malaysia Airlines passenger aircraft with 160 crew members and passengers on board aborted its takeoff at Narita Airport near Tokyo on Thursday, 20 August, after black smoke was observed near one of its engines, prompting authorities to close Runway A for inspection. No injuries have been reported so far, according to public broadcaster NHK.
What Happened on the Runway
At approximately 10:40 a.m. local time, the fire department received a report that black smoke appeared to be emanating from the aircraft's engine as the plane was taxiing for takeoff. The flight was immediately aborted. By around 11 a.m., footage broadcast by NHK showed the aircraft stationary on the runway, surrounded by multiple fire engines and ambulances as emergency personnel managed the situation on the ground.
Airport Response and Runway Closure
Narita Airport confirmed that Runway A was shut down following the incident and an inspection was set in motion. Officials stated that investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the engine anomaly. The closure of a primary runway at one of Japan's busiest international airports has the potential to cause cascading delays for inbound and outbound flights.
Passengers and Crew Status
All 160 individuals on board — comprising both passengers and crew — were evacuated or secured without reported injuries as of the time of filing. The swift abort of the takeoff roll is credited with preventing any escalation of the incident. Emergency services remained on standby at the scene.
Separate Train Accident in Tochigi Prefecture
In an unrelated development also reported on Thursday, 20 August, four maintenance workers were struck by an express train while carrying out track work at a station in Tochigi Prefecture. All four were transported to hospital in an unconscious state, according to the fire department. Police and firefighters are investigating the circumstances of the collision. Further details are awaited.
Authorities at Narita Airport are expected to provide an update on the runway inspection and the resumption of normal operations once the investigation concludes.
Point of View
Which likely kept a frightening situation from becoming a catastrophic one. However, the cause of the smoke remains unconfirmed, and until investigators determine whether this was a mechanical failure, a bird strike, or a foreign-object ingestion, Malaysia Airlines and airport operators face uncomfortable scrutiny. Coming alongside a separate train accident in Tochigi on the same morning, Thursday was an unusually difficult day for Japan's transport safety record.
NationPress
20 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Narita Airport on 20 August?
A Malaysia Airlines passenger aircraft aborted its takeoff at Narita Airport near Tokyo after black smoke was observed near its engine at around 10:40 a.m. local time. All 160 crew members and passengers on board were unharmed, and Runway A was closed for inspection.
Were there any injuries in the Narita Airport engine incident?
No injuries have been reported among the 160 crew members and passengers on board the Malaysia Airlines aircraft. Emergency services including fire engines and ambulances were deployed to the scene as a precaution.
Why was Runway A at Narita Airport closed?
Narita Airport closed Runway A to allow authorities to inspect the runway and investigate the Malaysia Airlines aircraft after black smoke was seen near its engine during taxiing. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the cause.
What is the status of the investigation into the engine smoke?
As of the latest reports, authorities confirmed that investigations are underway to determine what caused the black smoke near the aircraft engine. No official cause has been announced yet and further details are awaited.
What was the separate incident in Tochigi Prefecture on the same day?
Four track maintenance workers were struck by an express train at a station in Tochigi Prefecture on the morning of 20 August. All four were taken to hospital in an unconscious state, and police and firefighters are investigating the circumstances.
