Air France Boeing 777 Diverts to Montreal Due to Cockpit Smoke

On May 9, an Air France Boeing 777-200, operating flight AF-21 from Los Angeles to Paris, declared an emergency due to smoke in the cockpit. The aircraft, registered as F-GSPE, was about 120 nautical miles northwest of Montreal when the crew decided to divert to Montreal. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely, and there were no reported injuries.

The emergency landing was executed following manufacturer procedures and company guidelines. The aircraft touched down in Montreal at 10:13 p.m. local time, where firefighters awaited to ensure safety protocols were followed. A passenger reported that the cabin lights dimmed a few hours into the flight, prompting an investigation by the crew and the subsequent decision to divert.

After landing, the flight was canceled, and passengers were rebooked on alternative flights. The aircraft remained grounded in Montreal for approximately 62 hours before being ferried back to Paris to resume service.

Smoke in the cockpit is treated with utmost urgency due to the potential for onboard fires, which can have catastrophic outcomes. The Swissair Flight 111 incident in 1998, where an electrical fire led to a crash, underscores the importance of immediate action when smoke is detected. These protocols ensure that the crew is prepared for expedited landings at the nearest suitable airport.

Incidents involving smoke in the cabin, though alarming, are relatively common. In 2024 alone, several similar events have occurred, including a United Airlines Boeing 777 in Hong Kong and a United 787-9 making an emergency landing in Los Angeles. Despite these incidents, air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, with rigorous training for cabin and flight deck crews to handle such emergencies.

Overall, the quick and effective response by the Air France crew on flight AF-21 highlights the robustness of safety protocols in the aviation industry, ensuring passenger safety even in unexpected situations.