A flight from Manchester Airport to France had to turn back this morning due to the 'smell of smoke in the cockpit and the cabin'.
The Air France flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport took off as planned this morning (Friday). But soon after take-off, the pilot 'decided to turn back' due to a 'technical incident'.
A spokesperson for Air France said that there was a smell of smoke in the cockpit and the cabin. The plane landed safely back at Manchester Airport at around 7.30am.
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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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