An Asiana Airlines passenger plane, which had departed from Incheon and was heading to Tokyo, Japan, returned due to engine problems.

According to Asiana Airlines, on the 21st at around 6:49 p.m., flight OZ108 from Incheon International Airport to Narita Airport detected a problem with one of its engines during operation. It was reported that sparks flew from the engine and smoke followed.

Asiana Airlines aircraft. /Courtesy of Asiana Airlines

The passenger plane returned following safety procedures and landed at Incheon Airport at approximately 7:42 p.m., about an hour after departure. Asiana Airlines stated that there were no injuries among the 263 passengers.

Asiana Airlines plans to resume operations the next day at 4:30 a.m. to avoid the nighttime landing restrictions at Narita Airport after replacing the aircraft. Passengers were instructed to rest at the Incheon Airport lounge.

An Asiana Airlines official is conducting a thorough inspection of the returned aircraft to confirm whether there are any issues with the engine itself or signs of bird strikes. The aircraft model is A330-300, and it is 11 years and 8 months old.

An official from Asiana Airlines noted, "The return was an unavoidable measure for safety, and we apologize for the inconvenience to passengers and plan to provide compensation."