KAHULUI, Maui — Hawaiian Airlines passengers had to exit a plane using emergency slides after an odor of fumes led crew members to turn the flight around soon after takeoff.
The airline says Hawaiian Flight 24 left Maui’s Kahului airport on Friday morning bound for Oakland, California. The crew declared an emergency, and the plane returned to Kahului a half-hour later.
The airline says an investigation is underway to determine the source of the odor.
All 224 passengers were evacuated via the slides. The airline says two passengers were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Passengers have the option to take an Oakland-bound flight scheduled to depart later in the day.
The airline says it will also provide overnight accommodations to those who prefer to remain on Maui and take a flight Saturday.
Hawaiian plans to refund airfare for all affected passengers.
The airline apologized for the disruption and praised the crew for taking swift and decisive action.