AY15 - Incident: Finnair A333 at Helsinki on Aug 3rd 2024

A Finnair Airbus A330-300, registration OH-LTO performing flight AY-15 from Helsinki (Finland) to New York JFK,NY (USA), was climbing out of Helsinki's runway 04R when the crew stopped the climb at about 4000 feet due to an odour on board. The aircraft positioned for a return to runway 04R and landed safely on that runway about 20 minutes after departure.

A passenger reported they soon noticed they were returning to Helsinki, there was rumour amongst the passengers about smell of smoke on board. During the approach a pungent sort of bitter odour became noticeable throughout the aircraft.

The airline reported the aircraft returned due to a technical fault.

The aircraft is still on the ground in Helsinki about 24 hours after landing back.