An Air France Boeing 777 was forced to make an emergency landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku on Wednesday, after reports of smoke detected onboard.
The aircraft, operating flight AF291 from Osaka to Paris, landed safely at 4:37pm local time, according to the local media.
Upon landing, the aircraft was met by fire and rescue teams to assess the issue, the authorities said. The immediate evacuation of its 280 passengers was carried out with no injuries.
The incident involved a 22-year-old Boeing 777-200ER, identified by its registration F-GSPY. Air France has confirmed that the diversion followed the detection of a heat smell in the cabin, which led to the decision to land as a precautionary measure, aligning with the aircraft manufacturer's procedures and company protocols.
A replacement aircraft has been dispatched to Azerbaijan, with engineers and inspectors to inspect the original aircraft.
The recovery flight is scheduled to depart Baku at 6:20 PM on April 25, arriving in Paris at 9:50 PM the same day.
Meanwhile, most of the passengers faced visa difficulties and were required to remain in the transit zone, where they were provided with meals.
Air France expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and reiterated its commitment to the safety of its customers and crew as a top priority.
Update from Air France: Air France confirms that the crew of flight #AF291 on 24 April 2024, from Osaka (KIX) to Paris (CDG) by Boeing 777-200 decided to divert to Baku (GYD) airport in Azerbaijan, following the appearance of a heat smell in the cabin. This decision was taken in accordance with the manufacturer's procedures, the company's instructions and in application of the precautionary principle.
The aircraft landed normally in Baku at 4:37pm (local time) where the passengers were able to disembark and technical checks were carried out. Due to difficulties in obtaining visas, customers are obliged to remain in the transit zone where they were able to have meals. A new plane has been put in place by Air France departing from Paris to enable passengers to be re-routed as quickly as possible, in liaison with the local airport authorities.
The plane is enroute and due to arrive at Baku airport during the night, from where it will depart after the crew has had its regulatory rest. Air France regrets the inconvenience caused by this situation and reiterates that the safety of its customers and crews is its absolute imperative. AF291 New departure GYD 6.20pm on 25.04 New arrival CDG 9.50pm
