A Wizz Air Malta flight bound for the United Kingdom made an early return to Romania on February 26th 2026 after the crew received abnormal indications related to the aircraft’s angle of attack sensors shortly after departure.
The Wizz Air Malta Airbus A321-200, registered 9H-WZC, was operating flight W4-3005 from Bucharest to London Luton. The aircraft had departed runway 08R at Henri Coandă International Airport and was climbing out when the crew stopped the ascent at Flight Level 080 and entered a holding pattern.
Air traffic control was advised that no emergency was being declared. The crew subsequently reported they were receiving indications concerning the aircraft’s angle of attack sensors. As a precaution, they elected to burn off fuel before returning to Bucharest, advising that the situation was under control.
After approximately 35 minutes airborne, the aircraft landed safely on runway 08L. There were no reports of injuries, and the jet taxied to the apron without further incident.
A replacement Airbus A321-200, registered HA-LTA, was dispatched and later completed the flight to London Luton Airport with a delay of about three and a half hours.
The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Bucharest roughly seven hours after landing as technical checks were carried out.
Angle of attack sensors play a critical role in providing data to flight control and warning systems. Even when no immediate handling issues are apparent, crews are trained to treat inconsistent or abnormal indications conservatively. In this case, the decision to halt the climb, hold, and return ensured the flight concluded safely back at its point of origin.
