Malaysia Airlines says none of its passengers stranded at Mumbai airport

Malaysia Airlines flight MH165 passengers complained of a long wait for information and having their passports withheld by immigration officials in Mumbai. (X pics)

PETALING JAYA: There are no more passengers stranded at Mumbai International Airport, Malaysia Airlines Bhd said of flight MH165, which had to divert to the airport at the end of last week due to “technical” problems.

A spokesman said all passengers had departed for their respective destinations.

On Thursday, Malaysia Airlines flight MH165, carrying passengers from London to Kuala Lumpur, diverted to Mumbai after a layover in Doha due to “unforeseen technical issues”.

“The matter has been resolved. All passengers were transferred to other carriers as well as Malaysia Airlines flights between Saturday and Sunday,” the spokesman told FMT.

In a statement yesterday, the airline said that passengers were provided with accommodation, meals and transport, while officials worked to resolve the matter.

MAS attributed the delays to “the need to adhere to local immigration policies in Mumbai”.

Over the weekend, passengers took to social media to voice their discontent. Some claimed that their passports were held for hours by airport immigration staff.

“So many (are) not yet booked on any flight. Ground staff are clueless and the next flight is in two hours. Some have no passport still,” said a user named Aswin on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Another identified as 1MANNNN wrote on X that a relative had been stuck in Mumbai for 28 hours.

“With passports withheld by the immigration officers, they have nowhere to go and no access to any facilities,” she said.