When smelly onions forced an Air India Express flight to return after takeoff

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

onions. As per news wire agency PTI, an Air India Express flight, from Kochi to Sharjah, reportedly had to return due to a combination of a «pungent» and «burning smell» inside the cabin. Approximately 175 passengers were on board the flight (IX 411) that took off from Kochi on the night of August 2.

Initially, one passenger complained of a «burning» smell, but soon more passengers joined in, reporting a «pungent smell» in the aircraft. As a precautionary measure, the flight turned back and made a safe landing at Cochin International Airport (CIAL). The engineering team inspected the aircraft and found no evidence of smoke or technical issues.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the source of the odour was likely a box of onions or vegetables being carried in the cargo hold area. As a result, it was suspected that the smell permeated the cabin, causing discomfort and concern among the passengers. Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who was also a passenger on the flight, mentioned that there was uncertainty and confusion among the passengers when the aircraft turned back.

Nevertheless, the landing was smooth and safe. «To be honest, I fell asleep as soon as I boarded. However, when I woke up with the announcement, there was an uncertainty and confusion among the people.

When the captain announced we were landing back then, everyone got concerned and slightly nervous. However, it didn't get worse as we landed back soon,» the Muvattupuzha MLA, who is on a private visit to Sharjah, told PTI. Meanwhile, the Air India Express expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and arranged another aircraft for the passengers to board, which departed at 5.14 a.m.