Air France A350 Returns to Oslo After Lithium Battery Fire Reports Smoke and Odor in Cabin

Published on November 22, 2025

An Air France Airbus A350 flight traveling from Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) was forced to return to its departure airport after passengers and crew reported a strange odor and smoke in the cabin shortly after takeoff. The flight, AF411, was only 35 minutes into its journey when the crew made the decision to return to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) as a safety precaution.

The incident occurred on November 2025 when the aircraft, an Airbus A350-900, was climbing to approximately 17,000 feet. The crew initiated a Pan Pan call, indicating an urgent situation that was not life-threatening. Passengers on board reported sensing an unusual odor in the cabin, which was later confirmed by crew members to be linked to a heat smell coming from the cockpit and cabin area. Shortly after, light smoke became visible inside the cabin, prompting the flight crew to prioritize the safety of passengers and crew.

Quick Response by Crew and Emergency Landing

The Air France flight crew responded swiftly to the situation. The aircraft was immediately brought back to Ezeiza International Airport, where emergency services had been alerted and were on standby. The A350 made a safe landing on Runway 11, and the aircraft taxied to the apron, where emergency responders conducted initial checks.

The airline confirmed that eight passengers had to be taken to a nearby hospital for suspected smoke inhalation, but all were discharged within 48 hours after receiving treatment. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported, and the crew’s quick response helped ensure a smooth emergency landing.

Incident Investigation and Aircraft Status

Following the return to Ezeiza, Air France grounded the aircraft for a full inspection. Maintenance teams began a technical assessment to identify the source of the smoke and odor. The Airbus A350-900, registered F-HTYT, has been in Air France service since late 2022, and this was the first significant issue involving the aircraft. The A350 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB 84 engines and seats 324 passengers across three cabins.

The E350 aircraft was only three years old at the time of the incident, and it is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, designed to provide a comfortable and safe flying experience. While investigations are ongoing, it’s noted that the issue could relate to a lithium battery or electrical system component, a scenario that has prompted increased attention to smoke-related incidents in aviation.

Rising Trends of Odor and Smoke-Related Incidents in Aviation

This incident follows a similar event earlier in the month involving another Air France A350 operating a flight from Paris to Seoul. That flight was also diverted, this time to Munich, after crew members detected fumes and a burning smell in the cockpit. This trend of smoke-related incidents has drawn attention from airlines and aviation regulators, prompting discussions about aircraft safety protocols and maintenance practices.

Industry reports show that airlines have seen a growing number of cabin and cockpit odor events, especially related to the growing number of lithium battery-powered devices onboard. In response, many operators have implemented stricter safety procedures, including the banning of lithium batteries in checked luggage and stricter regulations on power banks during flights.

Passenger Safety and Response Measures

In the aftermath of the Air France A350 incident, Ezeiza International Airport’s emergency services worked seamlessly with the airline’s crew to evacuate passengers swiftly and provide medical attention to those affected by the smoke inhalation. Passenger safety remains a top priority for Air France, as highlighted by the quick response of the crew and the immediate action taken by airport emergency teams.

Following the incident, Air France reassured travelers that customer and crew safety remains the airline’s highest priority. The airline’s protocols, which include trained crew members, onboard fire extinguishers, and smoke hoods, are designed to address similar emergencies and ensure a safe landing in case of onboard incidents.

Ongoing Investigation and Passenger Information

Air France has confirmed that the Airbus A350-900 involved in the incident will remain grounded until it passes a full technical inspection. The investigation will focus on identifying the cause of the smoke and heat smell and ensuring that all safety systems meet the highest standards. In the meantime, passengers on affected flights are encouraged to reach out to Air France customer service for updates on flight rebookings and alternative travel options.

The airline is also working closely with aviation regulators, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to review existing protocols for handling smoke-related incidents on aircraft.