SINGAPORE - A Tigerair flight to Chennai had to turn back to Singapore on Friday (Oct 16) after the cowling of the aircraft's left engine fell off.

Tigerair flight TR2638 took off from Changi Airport at 8.46pm on Friday.

Shortly after take-off, the crew was advised that the cowling of the aircraft's left engine had fallen off, Tigerair said in a statement.

The pilot then commenced a turn back, bringing all passengers and crew back to Singapore.

"A mayday call was made as a precaution and in order for the pilot to secure priority for landing and the necessary ground assistance," Tigerair said.

The aircraft returned to Changi Airport at 11.20pm on Friday.

Tigerair said it arranged for all the passengers to take the next available flight at 2.07am. It arrived in Chennai at 3.25am local time (5.55am Singapore time) on Saturday.

The budget airline is working with the authorities to investigate the incident.