Source: www.thehindu.com

Passengers who had boarded a Mangaluru-bound Jet Airways flight on Thursday morning spent anxious moments after smoke was detected in the airplane while it was readying for departure. The technical snag forced the airline to ask passengers to disembark and make alternative arrangements to accommodate them on other flights. There were 71 passengers on-board, which included U.T. Khader, Minister for Urban Development and Housing.

Mr. Khader’s aide told The Hindu that the 7 a.m. Jet Airways ATR aircraft travelling from Bengaluru to Mangaluru developed a technical snag as it was leaving the departure bay.

The flight was immediately brought back to the bay. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft that left Bengaluru at 8.45 a.m. Mr. Khader was to receive President Ramnath Kovind at the Mangaluru International Airport on his way to Udupi.

A spokesperson from the airline said, “Jet Airways flight 9W 713was delayed due to a technical snag, while parked at bay, prior to departure.The airline regrets the inconvenience caused to its guests.”