JetBlue flight returns to Orlando after fumes cause scare

Flight 198 was carrying 88 people to New York

ORLANDO, Fla. – A JetBlue flight returned to Orlando International Airport after pilots smelled fumes in the cockpit, airport officials said.

JetBlue Flight 198, an Airbus A320 carrying 88 people to LaGuardia Airport in New York, made an emergency landing Wednesday morning at OIA.

The airplane was above Jacksonville when it turned around, officials said.

"It was nerve-wrecking to hear that (we were turning back), but outside of that, we thank God we are safe and thank God everyone was able to make it off the plane," said Glen Gilzean, a passenger on the plane. 

Orlando airport spokesman Rod Johnson said six people were checked out by paramedics, but no one wanted to be taken to a hospital.

It's not known what caused the fumes.

The airline later issued a statement about the incident.

"Shortly after departure, JetBlue Flight 198 from Orlando to New York LaGuardia returned to the airport out of an abundance of caution after the crew reported an odor. The aircraft will be inspected before returning to service, and flight 198 will continue on a different aircraft," the airline said.

Photos taken Gilzean showed emergency vehicles near the airplane at the gate and firefighters talking with people.

No other details have been released.

Photo credit: Glenton Gilzean Jr.
Photo credit: Glenton Gilzean Jr.

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About the Author

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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