Euro 2024: ‘Undefined’ smell forces flight with England fans coming from Germany to make emergency landing

A flight filled with British passengers, mostly England football fans returning from Germany after the Euro 2024 final, was forced to turn back around after an "undefined odour" in the cabin.

As per reports, Eurowings flight EW8470 destined for Manchester took off from Berlin at around 8:00 am (local time) on Monday. However, it went back to the German capital around half an hour later.

Eurowings released a statement, saying that "an air emergency was declared". The airline called it "a standard procedure to obtain a prioritised landing".

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The plane "made an unscheduled return to Berlin... due to an undefined odour in the cabin" and was met by a fire brigade who inspected the aircraft.

"There were no findings. There was neither a fire nor smoke in the cabin," the statement said, further adding that "there was no danger to passengers or crew at any time. Safety is always the top priority at Eurowings".

"An alternative flight was arranged for the affected passengers. The guests were informed accordingly and provided with food vouchers at BER [Berlin Airport]," the airline added.

However, people lashed out at the airline as they expressed their dissatisfaction on the social media site X. They alleged that no Eurowings staff was present at the Berlin airport to assist with food vouchers or rescheduling the flight.

One passenger wrote on social media: "No SMS, no updates, no staff to be seen. #itsnotcominghome #werenotcominghome".

Another wrote: "Flight EW8470 - set off, smoke on board, returned to Berlin. No staff have advised what happens next, we have just been ejected into baggage collection so please explain: A) which belt will have baggage (isn't on screens) and B) how I get a new flight to Manchester."

Spain vs England

Spain struck late to win Euro 2024 by beating England 2-1 on Sunday in Berlin to capture the trophy for a record fourth time.

Mikel Oyarzabal turned home in the 86th minute after Nico Williams sent Spain ahead early in the second half but England substitute Cole Palmer pulled the Three Lions level.

England almost equalised at the death but Dani Olmo headed Marc Guehi's effort off the line to safety.

(With inputs from agencies)