A shipment of fruit prompted an Air Canada Rouge crew to turn around shortly after taking off from Vancouver for Montreal in September. The consignment of Durian, an Asian fruit known for its aggressively pungent odour released its essence into the cabin and actually forced the 767 flight crew to don oxygen masks to escape the stench. They declared a Pan Pan and headed back to Vancouver 37 minutes into the flight.
The durian was taken out of the forward cargo hold but it took 20 hours to air out the aircraft enough to return it to service. The so-called “king of fruits” is considered a delicacy by some but the odour it emanates has been described as being like sewage, rotting onions and vomit. Some airlines and hotel chains ban the fruit.