Jet returns to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after cockpit smoke

JetBlue aborted a Friday morning flight and returned safely to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport following reports of smoke in the cockpit, an official said.

Flight 578 departed Fort Lauderdale around 8:15 a.m. with 78 souls on board, destined for White Plains, New York, Airport Spokesman Gregory Meyer said.

“After 10 minutes of flight, the captain reported a problem in the cockpit and returned to the gate,” Meyer said.

It’s up to JetBlue to complete their passengers’ itineraries and typically the airline will line up another plane, Meyer said. There was no immediate word from the airline about any new arrangements.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue met the jet on the tarmac.

“We’re happy that it turned out to be uneventful,” Broward Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Leljedal said. “The captain had detected smoke in the cockpit and it put us on alert. But as soon as he touched down, he declined further assistance.”