An American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York City had to turn back shortly after takeoff due to an unusual odor in the cabin, the airline confirmed.
Flight 274 departed Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) just before 5 p.m. local time but was redirected back to LAX a short while later. The flight crew reported smelling something that raised concerns, leading them to use oxygen masks in the cockpit.
Fortunately, the plane landed safely back at LAX. Although seven passengers were evaluated for any potential effects, no one required further medical attention.
American Airlines announced that the aircraft would be taken out of service for inspection by their maintenance team. They expressed regret for the disruption to passengers’ travel plans.
This incident comes amid ongoing struggles for various sectors impacted by the current government shutdown, which has drawn attention to the challenges faced by air traffic controllers and TSA officers who continue to work without pay. While they will receive partial paychecks for prior work, the situation underscores the importance of addressing the broader implications of government operations on everyday Americans.
