International News

DUBAI, Aug 12, (APP/AFP) – A US military plane made an emergency landing at Bahrain International Airport and its pilot ejected on the
runway Saturday after an engine malfunction, a navy spokesman said.
The F/A 18E fighter aircraft “experienced an engine malfunction
and attempted to divert to Sheik(h) Isa Air Base, Bahrain”, said
spokesman Commander William Urban of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which
is based in Bahrain.
“Unable to make it to Isa, the pilot was forced to make an
emergency landing at Bahrain International Airport. Due to the
malfunction, the aircraft could not be stopped on the runway and the
pilot ejected from the aircraft as it departed the runway.”
The pilot was unharmed and investigations are underway. The
Fifth fleet said it was “supporting efforts to re-open the runway”.
Most flight arrivals on Saturday afternoon were listed as delayed
on Manama airport’s official website.
Bahrain is home to the Fifth Fleet as well as a British military
base that is still under construction.
Isa Air Base is central to US operations against the Islamic
State militant group in the region.