The Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command stated that the Boeing 737-800 departed Bournemouth, UK, bound for Gran Canaria, Spain, when the crew reported "smoke in the cabin."

In statements to Lusa, a source from ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal said the "technical emergency" was declared by the pilots, and minutes later the aircraft landed safely at 12:24 at Gago Coutinho International Airport in Faro.

The Portuguese airport management entity also revealed that passengers disembarked to allow a technical inspection of the aircraft.

The emergency triggered the airport's Pre-Intervention Plan, which, according to established protocol, mobilises various Civil Protection entities.

Among the actions planned for emergency landings are the prior deployment of teams to provide a rapid rescue response in the event of incidents during contact and upon the aircraft's arrival on the ground, as well as securing road corridors for the circulation of emergency vehicles.

The operation involved 95 personnel and 41 vehicles, including firefighters, police, and medical teams.