Engine Fire Forces Air France Flight AF895 to Return Shortly After Takeoff from Fort-de-France

On the evening of February 21, 2026, Air France flight AF895, en route from Fort-de-France, Martinique to Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, was compelled to make an emergency return shortly after takeoff due to a suspected engine malfunction involving detonations and flames.

Eyewitnesses on the ground reported hearing loud explosions soon after the aircraft departed, with some even witnessing flames near one of the engines. Videos rapidly circulated on social media, capturing the alarming events as the plane turned back. The pilot conducted a fuel dump to reduce landing weight and ensure safety before making a smooth landing back at Fort-de-France airport.

According to reports, none of the 469 passengers onboard were injured during the incident. Emergency services, including firefighting teams, were on standby at the airport as a precautionary measure. Following the landing, technical experts immediately began investigating the cause of the engine issue to determine the nature of the malfunction and confirm the aircraft’s safety for future flights.

This swift and cautious response underscores the airline's commitment to passenger safety. As of now, no further operational details or updates on the investigation have been released. The incident highlights the critical importance of vigilant monitoring and rapid decision-making in aviation to manage unexpected mechanical failures without harm to those onboard.