A Qantas aircraft was compelled to execute an unexpected U-turn and emergency landing in Adelaide after passengers and crew detected an unusual odour and metallic taste during the flight. The incident occurred on Qantas flight QF857, which departed from Canberra on Friday evening with a scheduled destination of Perth.
In-Flight Incident Over the Great Australian Bight
As the plane traversed the Great Australian Bight, multiple individuals on board reported experiencing a metallic taste in their mouths, accompanied by a strange smell. This prompted immediate concern among the crew, leading to the decision to divert the aircraft. The flight made a priority landing at Adelaide Airport around 1am on Saturday, which notably breached the city airport's midnight curfew, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Emergency Response and Passenger Care
Upon arrival, a team of paramedics was stationed at the terminal to assess and treat passengers and crew as they disembarked. Approximately 15 travellers sought medical attention from ambulance workers in the Qantas lounge, although no injuries were reported. A Qantas spokesperson expressed regret over the inconvenience, stating, 'We know that this would have been a frustrating experience for our customers and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.' Passengers were re-accommodated on flights from Adelaide to Perth on Saturday morning, with all reaching their final destination.
Passenger Accounts and Airline Actions
A woman on the flight described the incident to 9News, noting, 'I wouldn't say it was hazy (on the plane). It was just the smell. They turned everything off to try and find out where it was coming from, but they could not.' In response, Qantas offered overnight accommodations, with some passengers opting to stay in the lounge for a few hours, while others accepted hotel arrangements provided by the airline. The aircraft underwent a thorough inspection by the engineering team and was cleared to re-enter service on Saturday, ensuring no further disruptions.
