Air France Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Baku Due to Smoke on Board

An Air France Boeing 777 aircraft flying from Osaka to Paris made an emergency landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan on April 25, 2024. The plane sent a request for an emergency landing due to smoke detected on board.

All emergency services at Baku airport were put on alert as the aircraft touched down securely at 4:37 PM local time. The 280 passengers on board flight AF291 were immediately evacuated, and no injuries were reported. "The diversion was due to a heat smell detected in the cabin, which led the crew to land the aircraft as a precautionary measure, in accordance with the manufacturer's procedures and the company's protocols," Air France stated.

The passengers faced difficulties in obtaining visas and were required to remain in the transit zone, where they were given sustenance. Air France arranged for a replacement plane to be dispatched from Paris to transport the stranded passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, in coordination with local airport authorities.

The replacement aircraft arrived at Baku airport during the night and took off for Paris on April 25 at 6:20 PM, with an expected arrival time of 9:50 PM. Air France expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to the passengers and reiterated its commitment to the safety of its customers and crew as a top priority.

Why this matters: The emergency landing of the Air France plane in Baku highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and swift response measures in the aviation industry. Such incidents act as a reminder of the critical role that well-trained crews and efficient emergency services play in ensuring passenger safety during unforeseen circumstances.

The aircraft involved in the incident is currently being inspected, and necessary measures are being taken to establish the cause of the smoke. Air France is working closely with local authorities and the plane manufacturer to investigate the matter thoroughly. "The plane is currently being inspected, and necessary measures are being taken to establish the causes of the incident," the airline confirmed.

Key Takeaways

• Air France Boeing 777 made emergency landing in Baku, Azerbaijan due to smoke.
• All 280 passengers evacuated safely, no injuries reported.
• Passengers faced visa issues, provided sustenance in transit zone.
• Replacement plane dispatched from Paris to transport passengers to final destination.
• Incident highlights importance of safety protocols and emergency response in aviation.