China Airlines flight diverts to Hong Kong after suspected engine malfunction

A China Airlines flight from Taipei to Chiang Mai was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday morning following a suspected engine failure.

Flight CI851, which departed Taoyuan International Airport at approximately 9am, diverted to Hong Kong after passengers reported hearing unusual noises resembling a "dog barking" from the aircraft's right engine. Airport emergency services were placed on standby as a precaution, though the flight ultimately landed safely at 10.37am.

Affected passengers described tense moments during the incident, with some fearing for their safety before the successful landing. The airline provided affected travelers with meal vouchers worth HK$75 while they awaited a replacement aircraft, which departed for Chiang Mai at 3pm the same day.

China Airlines confirmed the diversion was prompted by an abnormal mechanical signal, emphasizing that the precautionary landing followed standard safety protocols.

The carrier apologized for the disruption and stated maintenance crews would inspect the aircraft in Hong Kong before determining when it could return to service.