The AirAsia X flight D7237 (Airbus 330) with 359 people on board bound for Kuala Lumpur from Perth was landed back to Perth Airport about 10:00am due to "technical reasons" according to AirAsia X.
In a statement, AirAsia X confirmed the flight safely landed at 10am local time about three hours after it departed.
AirAsia X also said in statement that the flight crew were taking precautionary steps to check the aircraft.
"The safety of our guests is our utmost priority," AirAsia X said in a statement.
Some passengers from the flight would be transferred to the next flight on Sunday.
Passenger Sophie Nicolas said it was a terrifying ordeal and she could tell it was "really bad" judging by the cabin crew's reaction. "The captain announced there appeared to have been an engine seizure on the left side." then continue said (flight captain): 'I hope you all say a prayer, I will be saying a prayer too and let's hope we all get back home safely'.
A lot of people were crying and everybody burst into applause when the plane landed safely, she told reporters.
Another Passenger Brenton Atkinson said the plane started vibrating and shaking after a small explosion before it was turned around. 'Like sitting on a washing machine'.
"You could see the engine out the window which was really shaking on the wing, he said.
Marine Rescue Services were also put on stand-by by police to prepare for a water landing off the WA coast.
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