The airBaltic flight reported technical issues after taking off from Rīga Airport.
The plane returned to Rīga where it landed amid increased safety measures.
According to data by Flightradar24, the flight number BT428 from Rīga Airport to Moscow Sheremetyevo did not leave Latvian airspace and was diverted back to Rīga shortly after take-off.
A statement from the airline said:
airBaltic confirms that its flight BT428 Riga-Moscow on July 15, 2019 returned to Riga Airport
due to technical reasons.
Safety is airBaltic’s top priority. Shortly after departure, the crew smelled an unusual odor in the
cockpit and cabin of the plane. Following the standard procedures, the crew took the decision to
return to Riga where the plane safely landed amid increased safety measures. In line with all safety
requirements, the plane was awaited by teams of emergency services.
The flight BT428 Riga–Moscow and the return flight BT429 Moscow–Riga have been cancelled.
Passengers are being re-registered to closest possible flights.
airBaltic apologizes to the passengers for inconveniences.
