Flight from Dublin forced to turn back after crew report fuel odour and health concerns on board.
A flight travelling from Dublin to Newark, New Jersey was forced to return to Dublin Airport on Monday afternoon after crew members reported a strong fuel smell on board and several staff experienced health-related symptoms.
United Airlines flight UA316 departed Dublin shortly after 2.10pm and was enroute to the USA when the crew raised concerns while the aircraft was cruising at approximately 31,000 feet over the west of Ireland.
According to reports from the flight deck, a strong fuel smell was detected throughout the aircraft. While the crew stated they did not believe there was an active fuel leak, they chose to declare an emergency and return to Dublin as a precaution.
The crew requested the use of Dublin Airport's longest available runway and advised air traffic controllers that they would be conducting an overweight landing.
During communications with controllers, the crew requested medical assistance on arrival after reports of headaches and irritation from several cabin crew members. Airport emergency services, medical teams and operational staff were placed on standby ahead of the aircraft's return.
The flight landed safely at Dublin Airport shortly after 3pm and taxied to the terminal, where it was met by emergency responders and ambulance personnel. Crew members had indicated that several flight attendants required medical attention, while the number of affected passengers had not been confirmed.
No further details have been released, and the cause of the reported odour has yet to be determined.
