A Jetstar flight bound for the nation's capital was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Sydney on Friday afternoon after crew and passengers detected a concerning odour in the cabin.
Priority Landing at Sydney Airport
The incident involved Jetstar flight JQ650, which had departed from the Gold Coast and was en route to Canberra. Approximately at 2:20 pm, emergency services were alerted and dispatched to Sydney Airport in Mascot following initial reports of smoke on the aircraft.
The airline was quick to clarify the situation, confirming the Airbus made a priority landing as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson for Jetstar emphasised that the aircraft landed safely and that the procedure was not classified as an emergency.
Passengers Safely Disembark After Precaution
All 173 passengers on board were able to disembark the plane without injury. Police on the scene confirmed that everyone had exited the aircraft safely.
In an official statement, Jetstar provided further details, noting that while an unusual smell was noticed in the cabin, no smoke was ultimately detected. This distinction highlights the airline's commitment to caution, erring on the side of safety for everyone on board.
Investigation into the Cause Underway
The primary focus has now shifted to determining the source of the unusual smell. Ground crews and engineers have begun a thorough inspection of the aircraft to identify what caused the odour.
Such incidents, while alarming, are often resolved without further issue, but they underscore the rigorous safety protocols followed by Australian airlines. The investigation into the exact cause on flight JQ650 remains ongoing.
