NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A Republic Airways flight leaving Newark Liberty International Airport late Wednesday afternoon had to turn back after detecting the smell of smoke onboard, the airline and Port Authority confirmed.
Republic flight 3439, operating as a United Express flight from Newark to Detroit, returned after the smell of smoke was detected in the cockpit.
The flight returned to Newark Airport safely and was taxied without incident to a ramp “where a controlled, precautionary evacuation was conducted by the crew,” Republic Airways said in a statement. Passengers and crewmembers were then shuttled to Terminal C.
Port Authority said that the FAA temporarily held flight operations during that time, and at 5:55 p.m., airspace re-opened.
“The passengers and crew were safely evacuated and have been transported to the terminal where we will work with our partner to get them rebooked to their destinations as quickly as possible,” Republic Airways said.
No injuries were reported as part of this incident.
“We apologize to all affected for the inconvenience but the safety of our passengers and crew will always be our highest priority and we will always act to uphold that commitment,” the airline’s statement concluded.