Southwest Flight Turns Back Due to Unusual Odor

A Southwest Airlines flight had to turn back to Austin after the flight crew reported a suspicious odor onboard.

Shortly after takeoff at 7:17 a.m. this morning, Southwest Airlines (WN) Flight 481 departing from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Dallas Love Field (DAL) turned back after the flight crew notified the pilot of an unusual odor, according to a news item on Austin’s NBC affiliate KXAN.

Southwest officials told FlyerTalk in an email that the captain of WN481 notified Air Traffic Control of the decision to return to Austin. The aircraft landed without incident at approximately 7:39 a.m. and was met by emergency vehicles.

“Fire and rescue personnel at [AUS]…recommended we not pull up to the terminal building for deplanement,” according to the statement released by Southwest. “The captain directed the deployment of the evacuation slides and passengers exited the aircraft onto the tarmac.”

It is standard protocol in cases of unusual odors on aircraft that the planes not return to the terminal, according to the KXAN report.

Southwest officials said there were 107 passengers onboard and five crew members. No injuries were reported and Southwest re-accommodated all passengers on other flights to Dallas. The aircraft is currently out of service for maintenance.

[Photo: iStock]