Double trouble: Unusual issues force Qantas flight to turn back mid-flight not once, but TWICE!
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Travelling by air has become second nature for many, especially for the seasoned globetrotters among the Seniors Discount Club.
We've seen it all, from the golden age of travel to the modern era of budget airlines and stringent security measures.
However, no matter how many air miles you've clocked, there's always a new twist in the skies that can catch even the most experienced traveller off guard.
Such was the case for passengers aboard Qantas flight QF168, which was slated to connect Christchurch to Melbourne—a routine trans-Tasman trip that turned into a double dose of trouble.
The flight, which took off at the break of dawn at 6:46 AM on Monday, December 16, was expected to be a straightforward journey.
However, the skies had other plans.
The first sign of trouble came when the aircraft, mid-flight over the Tasman Sea, had to make an unexpected U-turn, returning to Christchurch two hours after departure.
The reason? An issue with the aircraft's radio, as explained by a Qantas spokesperson.
This kind of technical hiccup is rare but not unheard of, and it's a reminder of the intricate systems that keep our flights safe and on course.
After a thorough inspection by engineering teams, the plane was deemed fit to take to the skies once more.
But as fate would have it, the aircraft was met with another concerning anomaly—an unusual smell wafting through the cabin as it approached the Tasman Sea for the second time.
This prompted the pilots, adhering to standard safety procedures, to once again turn back to Christchurch.
‘Engineers are inspecting the aircraft to determine the cause of the smell, and passengers will be reaccommodated on flights via Auckland today,’ the Qantas spokesperson said.
‘We apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by these unrelated air returns and are working hard to get customers on their way as quickly as possible.’
The aircraft, a 13-year-old bird that had seen many a journey, was now under the scrutiny of engineers determined to uncover the source of the mysterious odour.
This was not the first time that a Qantas flight had to return to its place of origin due to unusual odour.
Recently, another flight bound for New Zealand had to return to Sydney after an unusual smell was detected in the cabin.
Both situations have raised questions about the measures in place to handle in-flight anomalies and ensure the well-being of all aboard.
We at the Seniors Discount Club would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this matter. Have you ever been on a flight that had to turn back, or perhaps you've encountered a similar situation? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's discuss the many facets of modern air travel.
We've seen it all, from the golden age of travel to the modern era of budget airlines and stringent security measures.
However, no matter how many air miles you've clocked, there's always a new twist in the skies that can catch even the most experienced traveller off guard.
Such was the case for passengers aboard Qantas flight QF168, which was slated to connect Christchurch to Melbourne—a routine trans-Tasman trip that turned into a double dose of trouble.
The flight, which took off at the break of dawn at 6:46 AM on Monday, December 16, was expected to be a straightforward journey.
However, the skies had other plans.
A Qantas flight from Christchurch to Melbourne turned back twice due to a radio issue and an unusual cabin smell. Credit: Shutterstock
The first sign of trouble came when the aircraft, mid-flight over the Tasman Sea, had to make an unexpected U-turn, returning to Christchurch two hours after departure.
The reason? An issue with the aircraft's radio, as explained by a Qantas spokesperson.
This kind of technical hiccup is rare but not unheard of, and it's a reminder of the intricate systems that keep our flights safe and on course.
After a thorough inspection by engineering teams, the plane was deemed fit to take to the skies once more.
But as fate would have it, the aircraft was met with another concerning anomaly—an unusual smell wafting through the cabin as it approached the Tasman Sea for the second time.
This prompted the pilots, adhering to standard safety procedures, to once again turn back to Christchurch.
‘Engineers are inspecting the aircraft to determine the cause of the smell, and passengers will be reaccommodated on flights via Auckland today,’ the Qantas spokesperson said.
‘We apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by these unrelated air returns and are working hard to get customers on their way as quickly as possible.’
The aircraft, a 13-year-old bird that had seen many a journey, was now under the scrutiny of engineers determined to uncover the source of the mysterious odour.
This was not the first time that a Qantas flight had to return to its place of origin due to unusual odour.
Recently, another flight bound for New Zealand had to return to Sydney after an unusual smell was detected in the cabin.
Both situations have raised questions about the measures in place to handle in-flight anomalies and ensure the well-being of all aboard.
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