Shenzhen Airlines A320neo Returns to Shijiazhuang Due to Smoke in Cabin

A Shenzhen Airlines Airbus A320neo bound for Shenzhen made a precautionary return to Shijiazhuang, China after reporting smoke in the cabin on 18 October.

A Shenzhen Airlines Airbus A320neo departing for Shenzhen made precautionary to return to Shijiazhuang, China after reporting smoke in the cabin on 18 October 2024.

Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH9138, operated by an Airbus A320neo, had been cleared for departure from runway 33 Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW). The scheduled service was bound for Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX).

Shenzhen Airlines ZH9138 Shijiazhuang-Shenzhen

Flight track of Shenzhen Airlines ZH9138 showing return to Shijiazhuang.

During the subsequent climb after takeoff, flight crew reported the presence of smoke in the aircraft cabin. The climb procedure was terminated and a direct return to the origin airport was then negotiated.

The flight subsequently landed without further incident on runway 33 Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport. Following the landing, the cabin was evacuated via emergency slides. No injuries were reported as a result of the emergency disembarkation, or the cabin contamination.

Flight Details

Flight data shows that the flight ZH9138 had made a delayed departure out of Shijiazhuang on 18 October. Actual time of departure was logged as 1351 local time. The scheduled departure time for the service was listed as 1100 local time.

Following its departure from runway 33, flight crew had terminated the climb at flight level FL120 (12,000 feet). A direct return to the origin airport was then conducted.

The aircraft conducting the ZH9138 service to Shenzhen was an Airbus A320neo, registered B-30FP. This is a 4.1-year-old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier Shenzhen Airlines. It has been operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in October 2020.

Shenzhen Airlines is a major Chinese airline headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. It is one of China’s largest domestic airlines and a member of the Star Alliance, a global airline alliance.