Halifax, Canada: A Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350 operating a scheduled flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) diverted to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) after crew members reported a smoke smell onboard while crossing the North Atlantic.
The aircraft was operating Flight VS148, which departed Toronto late on Monday evening for the overnight journey to London. The Airbus A350 had begun its eastbound transatlantic crossing when crew members detected a smoke odor in the cabin, prompting them to initiate emergency procedures and divert the aircraft as a precaution.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft squawking emergency code 7700 before turning toward Halifax, one of the primary diversion airports for transatlantic flights operating between North America and Europe.
The aircraft landed safely at Halifax, where emergency services were positioned as a standard precaution following the emergency declaration. No injuries were immediately reported among passengers or crew.
Virgin Atlantic had not released detailed information regarding the source of the smoke smell at the time of reporting. It also remained unclear whether the odor originated from an aircraft system, equipment, or another onboard source.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is frequently used as a diversion point for long-haul flights due to its strategic location on Canada’s Atlantic coast and its capability to accommodate large widebody aircraft.
Following the safe landing, the aircraft was expected to undergo technical inspections while the airline arranged assistance and onward travel options for affected passengers. Virgin Atlantic had not publicly disclosed the number of passengers and crew onboard the flight.
The incident remains under review, and additional details are expected once inspections are completed and the airline releases further information.
