78 passengers denied boarding from Malaysia Airlines flight over insufficient onboard oxygen supply

Flight MH181 was scheduled to depart at 11:55 p.m. on Oct. 11 with 178 passengers but it eventually took off at 2:20 a.m. with only 100 on board, The Times of India reported.

Before boarding, the pilot conducted checks on the aircraft's engines and safety systems, during which the crew discovered that the onboard oxygen supply was insufficient for all passengers, FTN News reported.

Citing safety concerns, the pilot refused to proceed with the flight.

Malaysia Airlines planes are seen parked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia, Oct. 6, 2020. Photo by Reuters

Subsequently, officials consulted with aircraft engineers and technical experts. It was decided to carry only 100 passengers on the flight, while plans were made to send the remaining 78 to Kuala Lumpur on alternative flights.

The first 100 passengers, selected based on their bookings, boarded the aircraft.

The other passengers demanded they be allowed to travel on the same flight. Airline and airport officials held discussions with them and assured that proper arrangements would be made to send them on alternative flights.

The 78 passengers who were denied boarding were accommodated in the passenger lounge at Chennai Airport.

Airport officials said they traveled to Kuala Lumpur on Monday on AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines flights.