KUALA LUMPUR – The runway at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (LTSAH) in Alor Setar, Kedah has been temporarily closed following a dramatic incident involving a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft earlier this evening.
Malaysia Airports, in a statement, said the closure was necessary to allow for the removal of the aircraft and for the runway to be cleaned, Bernama reported.
“A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, and the closure is expected to remain in effect until 10.30 tonight.
“All flight operations at LTSAH will be affected during this period,” the statement said.
Passengers, including pilgrims en route to perform the haj, have been advised to check with their respective airlines or with Lembaga Tabung Haji for updates on their flight schedules.
Malaysia Airports added that further announcements will be made once the runway has been declared safe and cleared for use by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
A video circulating on social media shows the RMAF BAE Hawk 208 light fighter jet bouncing several times on the runway during landing before its front landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to skid nose-first along the tarmac.
In an official statement released at 8pm tonight, RMAF confirmed that the incident involved a Hawk jet that experienced a malfunction with its front landing gear while landing at the airport at 5.00pm.
The aircraft was reportedly undergoing ‘Opening Gambit’ training ahead of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA ’25).
“The pilot is safe and did not sustain any injuries. RMAF will set up an investigation team to identify the cause of the incident in detail,” the statement added. – May 6, 2025