Air Canada Rouge flight diverts to Iowa after smoke found in cockpit

According to a statement from Air Canada quoted by CBC News, "The A321 aircraft landed normally and as per standard procedure, was immediately evaluated after landing by airport response teams, and then cleared to taxi to the gate."

The flight, coded AC1702, typically operates daily between Las Vegas and Toronto, taking approximately four hours. Air Canada was reportedly arranging for another aircraft to transport the passengers to Toronto.

The Airbus A321 involved in the incident is registered as C-FJQL and has been in service since May 2016. It is leased by AviLease and is part of Air Canada Rouge's all-Airbus fleet. The fleet primarily handles domestic and short-haul international flights.

In response to the landing, firefighters employed an infrared camera to identify the smoke's source, but the origin remains unclear. Modern aircraft, including the Airbus A350, feature advanced fire suppression systems and composite materials that offer improved fire resistance compared to older models. This technology aims to prevent incidents such as cargo hold fires, which have been the cause of past accidents.

Air Canada Rouge, a subsidiary of Air Canada, continues to operate under strict protocols concerning smoke detection, ensuring passenger safety remains paramount.