• Ryanair Boeing 737
    Ryanair
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    FR/RYR
    Airline Type:
    Low-Cost Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Dublin Airport, London Stansted Airport, Milan Bergamo Airport
    Year Founded:
    1985
    Airline Group:
    Ryanair Group
    CEO:
    Eddie Wilson
    Country:
    Ireland

A Ryanair flight traveling from Newcastle, UK, to Palma Mallorca, Spain, diverted to Toulouse, France, when a burning odor was detected onboard. While traveling at flight level 370, the flight crew was made aware of a burning smell that plagued the cabin. The aircraft landed safely at Toulouse, and all persons aboard the aircraft have been reported safe.

A precautionary diversion

On August 16th, a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 departed Newcastle, UK. Ryanair flight FR-2347 was bound for Palma Mallorca, Spain. While cruising at flight level 370, the cabin crew was informed of a burning odor aboard the aircraft. Approximately 100 nautical miles north of Toulouse, France, the flight crew decided to divert to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The flight landed safely on runway 14R roughly 30 minutes after diverting. All passengers and crew members are reported to be safe.

Ryanair 737-800
A Ryanair flight to Spain had to divert due to a burning smell. Photo: Getty Images.

The Toulouse airport fire department was awaiting the aircraft upon its arrival. The airline reported the incident as a mechanical issue, stating that a minor mechanical malfunction caused a slight burning smell aboard the aircraft. The passengers were later rerouted on another aircraft to Palma Mallorca. Ryanair has issued an apology to all those affected by this delay. Simple Flying has reached out to Ryanair regarding this incident - this article will be updated once a response has been received.

A predetermined decision

When the pilots became aware of the burning odor onboard, they decided to divert to a closer airport. This is standard procedure as a cabin fire in flight is one of the most dangerous things that can happen aboard an aircraft. The airline has not released any details regarding the exact cause of the odor, but it's likely that the pilots would have attempted to locate the source of the issue after having diverted. Upon landing, it is a standard procedure that any aircraft that suspects a potential fire be greeted by a ready and able firefighting unit.

Ryanair 737-800
The flight crew responded appropriately to the in-flight hazard. Photo: Getty Images

The crew aboard this aircraft responded in accordance with the aircraft guidelines. Multiple passengers complained that they were not allowed to use the lavatory during the last portion of the flight. This would be expected as the cabin crew is instructed to keep the passengers in their seats to reduce the risk of injury. Along with the risk of being physically burned by an onboard fire, the risk of smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning is very high. Even if the fire had not been inside the cabin, carbon monoxide generated from another part of the aircraft could pose a hazard to its occupants.

In-flight fires have brought down many aircraft. Some of these were due to the fire, but smoke is the more common perpetrator. Smoke poses the apparent hazard of smoke inhalation, which can be lethal. Additionally, flights have gone down due to the pilot's inability to see inside the cockpit. Carbon monoxide is especially hazardous because it is both colorless and odorless. This substance can become present even without an in-flight fire.

What do you think of this diversion? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: AV Herald, Flight Radar 24