On Feb 6th, 2026, an EgyptAir Airbus A320-200neo, registration SU-GFJ, operating flight MS-738 from Istanbul, Turkey, to Cairo, Egypt, experienced a tense moment shortly after departure.
The aircraft had just climbed out from Istanbul’s runway 18 when the crew halted the climb at 5,000 feet and declared an emergency, reporting smoke in the cockpit. Acting promptly, the pilots decided not to continue the flight and requested an immediate return to the departure airport.
The A320 returned safely to Istanbul, touching down on runway 17L approximately 14 minutes after takeoff. Emergency services were on standby as a precaution, and the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection.
Subsequent technical checks found no abnormalities, allowing the aircraft to be cleared to fly again. After spending about 4 hours and 15 minutes on the ground, the flight departed once more and continued to Cairo, ultimately arriving with a delay of roughly five hours.
The quick decision-making by the flight crew ensured the safety of all on board and highlighted the cautious approach airlines take when dealing with any indication of smoke in flight.
