- An Air India Express flight en route to Sharjah was compelled to return to its departure airport after passengers reported a combination of “pungent” and “burning smell” inside the aircraft.
- The source of the peculiar odor was traced back to a potential box of onions or vegetables present in the cargo hold area of the flight, with initial assessments ruling out smoke or technical issues.
- Passengers’ safety took precedence as the airline decided to turn the flight back to its departure point. Air India Express expressed regret for any inconvenience and arranged for affected passengers to board an alternative aircraft, highlighting the airline’s dual role in carrying passengers and agricultural produce to Gulf countries.
On August 2nd, an Air India Express flight bound for Sharjah had to return to its departure airport due to an unusual combination of a “pungent” and “burning smell” reported by passengers on board. The incident, which affected approximately 175 passengers, was eventually attributed to a possible source: a box of onions present in the cargo hold of the flight.
Initially, a passenger on the Sharjah-bound Air India Express flight (IX 411) raised concerns about a smell resembling something “burning” within the aircraft, as per information from an airline source. Subsequently, more passengers joined in reporting a “pungent smell,” prompting the flight to initiate a turnaround and make a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport (CIAL).
Following the incident, the airline’s engineering team conducted an inspection of the aircraft. The initial findings indicated the absence of any smoke or technical malfunctions. The preliminary assessment suggested that the source of the odor could likely be attributed to the presence of onions or vegetables being transported on the aircraft.
As a precautionary measure in response to the reported foul smell, the decision was made to return the aircraft to its departure point. Mathew Kuzhalnadan, a Congress MLA who was among the passengers, recounted the uncertainty and confusion experienced by travelers during the incident. However, he reassured that the landing was executed safely.
Air India Express expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and took steps to accommodate the affected passengers on an alternative aircraft, which took off at 5.14 am. The airline source emphasized that their cargo hold area serves not only for passenger baggage but also plays a vital role in transporting agricultural produce, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers. This cargo activity contributes to the airline’s revenue and supports local farmers by facilitating exports to Gulf countries.
In conclusion, the Air India Express flight disruption caused by an unusual odor highlights the complex nature of airline operations, where even seemingly innocuous items like a box of onions can lead to precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety and well-being.