Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently recounted a harrowing yet heartwarming flight experience after his return from a DAP Johor fundraiser in Johor Bahru turned into a nearly four-hour journey.
In a Facebook post, Loke shared that he boarded an AirAsia flight, AK6047, at 10:45 p.m. on June 7, expecting a routine 50-minute flight to Kuala Lumpur.
However, severe weather conditions drastically altered the course.
Heavy clouds & thunderstorms
As the aircraft approached KLIA, it encountered heavy clouds, thunderstorms, and dangerous crosswinds that forced the pilot to abort the landing and circle the airport.
With no sign of improvement, the captain made a critical decision to divert the flight to Penang for refuelling and safety.
Despite the turbulence and uncertainty, Loke praised Captain Teng Huah Jer and his crew for maintaining calm and delivering timely, transparent updates throughout the ordeal.
The captain managed the situation very well by communicating very calmly…
Clear communication played an important role to keep everyone calm,” he shared.
Extends gratitude to staffs
First Officer Bryan Alexander Yin Kian Yam and cabin crew members—Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Nasrullah, Mandasari Nikita Florensia, Bagus Setyadi Nugroho, and Norjuniza Muhammad—were applauded for their unwavering professionalism and empathy toward passengers.
Loke also extended his gratitude to ground handlers, air traffic controllers, and support staff in Senai, Penang, and KLIA, calling them “unsung heroes” for their swift coordination.
The flight finally landed safely at KLIA at 2.40 am.
As a gesture of appreciation, Loke shared that he chose to remain onboard until every passenger had disembarked.
