An Air France flight was forced to turn back to Manchester Airport soon after take off.
The flight was travelling to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport this morning (Friday) when the pilot made the decision to turn back due to a "technical incident." The airline said in a statement that the decision was made due to the smell of smoke in the cockpit and in the cabin of flight AF1269.
The plane landed safely back at Manchester Airport at around 7.30am, the MEN reports.
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Eyewitness reported seeing fire engines at the scene when the plane landed. Air France said customers were taken off the plane and will be rebooked onto another flight to Paris.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Air France said: "Air France confirms that the crew of flight AF1269 on 3 February 2023 from Manchester to Paris-Charles de Gaulle - operated by Airbus A320 - decided to turn back to Manchester shortly after take-off due to a technical incident (smell of smoke in the cockpit and in the cabin). The pilots and cabin crew are regularly trained to handle this type of known and controlled situation.
"The aircraft landed normally in Manchester at 7h32, local time. The customers were immediately taken care of by the Air France staff and will be rebooked on following flights to Paris.
"Air France understands and regrets the inconvenience caused by this situation and reminds that the safety of its customers and crews is its utmost priority."
The Manchester Evening News has also contacted Manchester Airport for information.
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