Source: Anurag Sharma | www.aviationa2z.com

TORONTO- An Air Canada (AC) flight traveling from Las Vegas (LAS) to Toronto (YYZ) was diverted to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, after smoke was detected in the cockpit.

The Airbus A321 aircraft, operating as Flight AC1702, made a precautionary landing with 176 passengers on board. All of whom were safely evacuated, and no reported injuries were reported.

Air Canada Flight AC1702 diverted to Des Moines International Airport “out of an abundance of caution” after crew members detected the smell of smoke in the flight deck.

Following standard emergency protocols, the Airbus A321 landed normally at approximately 4:00 PM local time. Airport response teams immediately conducted safety evaluations upon landing before clearing the aircraft to taxi to the gate.

The aircraft involved in the incident is an Airbus A321-200, registered as C-FJQL. Further, it is an 8.9-year-old aircraft powered by

Sarah Hoodjer, spokesperson for Des Moines International Airport, confirmed that all 176 passengers safely deplaned following the emergency landing.

The aircraft will undergo a thorough technical inspection to identify the source of the smoke smell and determine necessary repairs before returning to service.

Air Canada quickly mobilized to address the disruption, arranging for a replacement aircraft to arrive Wednesday evening to complete the journey to Toronto Pearson International Airport.

While waiting for the substitute aircraft, passengers were accommodated within the terminal facilities.