Malaysia Airlines has issued an apology after passengers on a scheduled flight from Doha to Kuala Lumpur were stranded at Hamad International Airport for over 24 hours due to engine problems.

The incident, which took place on Monday, 12 August, triggered widespread anger on social media.

Flight MH165, scheduled to depart at 8:05 AM local time, was grounded due to engine issues, leaving numerous passengers frustrated and stranded.

In a statement on 14 August, Malaysia Airlines confirmed the extended delay and acknowledged that it also impacted subsequent flights between Kuala Lumpur and Doha on 13 and 14 August.

"Malaysia Airlines apologises to passengers for disrupting their travel plans and appreciates their patience and understanding," the airline said in a statement, as reported by the New Straits Times.

The airline assured passengers that it is working diligently to resolve the technical issues.

Passengers affected by the delay were rebooked on alternative flights provided by Qatar Airways, with some being accommodated in nearby hotels in Doha with full-board meal arrangements.

Despite these efforts, many passengers reported a lack of clear communication and support from the airline, describing the situation as chaotic.

Among those affected was local photojournalist Annice Lyn, who was returning from covering the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Speaking to the New Straits Times, Lyn described the situation as uncertain and disorganised.

"A group of Malaysians, including myself, have been stranded at Hamad International Airport, with some of us waiting for more than 24 hours," she said, adding, "We are uncertain about what's happening."

According to Lyn, passengers' passports were collected multiple times with little information provided about the next steps, and meals and care packs were not offered to those stranded.

The incident has drawn significant criticism on social media.

On X, formerly Twitter, user @faizalhamssin shared his experience, stating that many passengers, including children and the elderly, were left without hotel arrangements or basic amenities like water and food.

"Some passengers have been stranded here for 24 hours. These are codeshare passengers waiting for their onward flight to Kuala Lumpur," he posted while criticizing Malaysia Airlines for poor communication and expressing concerns about the airline's management and maintenance of its A350-900 aircraft.

Another passenger, Dr. Helena Wright, revealed that a similar issue occurred on a Malaysia Airlines flight the previous week, leaving her stranded in Doha for 60 hours without access to her luggage.

She claimed that priority was given only to business class passengers.

"It's literally crazy that the same thing happened to us on a #MalaysiaAirlines flight last week! We got stuck in Doha for 60 hours without access to luggage. Babies were not given priority, only business class passengers. It must be a major systemic issue at Malaysia Airlines."