Terrified AirAsia passengers spot plane’s engine EXPLODE then ‘try to kick down cockpit door’ when flight attendants ignore their warnings

TERRIFIED AirAsia passengers were forced to kick down the plane's cockpit door after spotting the engine explode on their flight from the Maldives to Bangkok.

Flight attendants on the AirAsia Airbus A320 ignored passengers' warnings after the plane had taken off from Male airport last night at 8.25pm local time.

Moments after taking the air, terrified passengers heard ''loud banging noises'' from the engine followed by a streak of bright flames.

According to local media Mihaaru in the Maldives, witnesses claimed that an engine of the plane was on fire after taking off.

'TECHNICAL PROBLEM'

Pilots immediately closed the engine and stopped their climb at around 5,000ft.

They circled several times before making an emergency landing at the Male International Airport around 15 minutes after the initial departure.

AirAsia said in a statement today that there was a ''technical problem'' while taking off.

They said: "The aircraft encountered a technical issue during takeoff, upon which the pilots turned back and requested a priority landing at Male’s Velana International Airport, in line with standard operating procedures.

''The pilot asked to return to the Male International Airport and arrived safely at 8:41pm.

''Fifty-eight passengers were safe and taken care of with food and drinks and the airline provided them with hotel rooms.

''They will be able to depart the Maldives today on a new flight and will arrive in Bangkok at 7:10pm local time.

''We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused.''

The aircraft has now been taken in for maintenance.