New Zealand plane returns after smoke alert in cabin

WELLINGTON - A plane was forced to return to New Zealand’s Wellington International Airport shortly after take-off Monday after passengers said there was a smell of smoke in the cabin, a media report said.

The Air New Zealand plane, operated by Mount Cook Airline, was on its way to Dunedin with 59 passengers on board, when the smell of smoke prompted the alert, Xinhua reported citing the New Zealand Press Association.

Firefighters, police and ambulances were called to the airport following an emergency alert at about 3 p.m., central communications inspector Ken Climo said.

An Air New Zealand spokesperson said pilots followed the standard procedure and as a precaution requested airport services to be on standby.

The plane landed with no problems and firetrucks followed it off the runway to make sure all people disembarked safely.