A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after an "unusual odor" was detected on board. The Boeing 737, which was en route from Las Vegas to Tulsa, Oklahoma, had to return to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) due to concerns about a strange smell.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the plane landed back at LAS around 8:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, October 12, 2023, according to FOX Business. A passenger on the flight described the smell in the cabin as a "burning smell." However, Southwest Airlines stated that nothing unusual was found upon inspection of the aircraft.
"We didn’t find anything abnormal after inspection, the aircraft was swapped and continued on to its destination," the airline informed FOX Business on October 14, 2023. The spokesperson further clarified that it was not smoke but an unusual odor and that it is routine for emergency vehicles to meet the aircraft in such situations. Footage shared on social media showed multiple emergency vehicles outside the terminal with their lights flashing after passengers deplaned. Responding to a passenger's post on X (previously known as Twitter), Southwest stated:
"Please know that the Safety of our Customers and Crew Members is our number one priority, and we appreciate you hanging in there with us." The FAA confirmed that there were no injuries and is currently investigating the incident.
