TORONTO- An Air Canada (AC) flight bound for Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) returned to Denver International Airport (DEN) after a strange odor was reported inside the aircraft.
Air Canada Flight 1038, operated by an Airbus A220, safely landed back at Denver Airport, where all 117 passengers and 5 crew members were evacuated as a precaution.
Photo: Colin Cooke Photo | Wikimedia CommonsAir Canada Flight Odor
The odor was described as “acrid” and was detected in the galley area shortly after departure. According to FOX31, emergency slides were deployed, and passengers exited the aircraft quickly to ensure their safety.
One passenger sustained a minor injury during the evacuation. After leaving the aircraft, a bus transported passengers back to the terminal while Air Canada arranged alternative travel plans.
Despite the disruption, the airline confirmed that the incident was handled in accordance with safety procedures, and the flight crew maintained control at all times.
Evacuations using emergency slides are rare and typically carried out only when passenger safety is at risk.
The quick decision by the crew minimized potential hazards while ensuring orderly evacuation.
Aviation authorities emphasize that even precautionary measures, like this one, are essential in maintaining high safety standards in commercial aviation.
Photo: Clément AlloingSimilar Incident
A Hawaiian Airlines (HA) Airbus A330-200, operating flight HA864 from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Honolulu (HNL), experienced a similar issue on June 23, 2025.
Shortly after takeoff, the crew detected an unusual odor in the cockpit and decided to return to Haneda.
The aircraft, carrying 268 passengers and 13 crew, landed safely back on runway 16L just 35 minutes after departure.
Japanese authorities confirmed there was no smoke or fire. The aircraft then taxied to the apron under its own power, requiring no external assistance.
Following the unscheduled landing, the aircraft was grounded for around 26 hours while maintenance teams inspected the source of the odor. The cause remains under investigation, though the crew’s swift actions ensured that safety was never compromised.
Photo: C-GJXN,17/09/20 | C-GJXN Air Canada Airbus A220-300 CYHZ | Mackenzie Cole | FlickrAirline Commitment to Safety
Both Air Canada (AC) and Hawaiian Airlines (HA) have emphasized that passenger and crew safety remain their top priority.
While odor related incidents are uncommon, airlines treat them seriously, conducting full inspections before returning aircraft to service.
These cases highlight how trained crews, strict regulations, and emergency procedures contribute to safe air travel worldwide.
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