Strange smell makes Moscow-bound airBaltic flight return to Riga

A Moscow-bound flight of Latvia's national carrier airBaltic returned to Riga on Monday after a strange smell was reported in the cockpit and cabin, a spokesperson for Riga International Airport informed.

The airport's spokeswoman Laura Karnite said that a report of a mechanical issue was received shortly after the plane had taken off from Riga Airport.

Rescue crews were dispatched at the airport to make sure the plane landed safely.

After the emergency landing, airBalgtic released a statement saying that crewmembers smelt an unusual odor in the cockpit and cabin of the aircraft. In compliance with standard procedures, it was decided to fly back to Riga.

The affected flights from Riga to Moscow and back were cancelled and passengers were offered seats on the nearest flights to these destinations.