Source: Simon Hradecky | www.avherald.com

An Azul Linhas Aereas Embraer ERJ-195, registration PR-AYK performing flight AD-2709 from Recife,PE to Fortaleza,CE (Brazil), was climbing out of Recife when the crew stopped the climb due to a strong smell of smoke in the cabin and returned to Recife for a safe landing about 15 minutes after departure. The aircraft was towed off the runway.

The runway was closed for about 25 minutes as result. A replacement ERJ-195 registration PR-AYV reached Fortaleza with a delay of about 4 hours. The airline reported the aircraft returned to Recife due to a technical problem. Passengers reported the captain announced a strong smell of smoke in the cabin as reason for the return.

The airport reported the crew requested to return to Recife shortly after takeoff. After landing the aircraft was towed to be returned to the apron, where passengers disembarked normally. The runway was closed for about 25 minutes.