Air France Boeing 777-300 returns to Réunion due to smoke in cockpit

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boeing_777-300_Air_France_(AFR)_F-GZNG_-_MSN_32968_795_(9231088733).jpg
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
Credit: Laurent ERRERA | Photographer

Air France Boeing 777-300 had to turn around and head back to Réunion after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit.

This event occured on Saturday 11th July when the flight was heading from Saint-Denis de La Réunion to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
With 468 souls on board, Air France flight AF671 fortunately landed back safely in Réunion at 4:45 hours after departure, and ultimately the flight was deferred until the next day.

The flight was en route to Paris when at an altitude of 32000ft and about 1,160 nautical miles northeast of Réunion, the issue came into picture.
The plane had no choice but to turn around and head back to its origin. Local media reported that the crew had reported smoke in the cockpit.

The plane was able to land in Réunion safely, and the flight was postponed for 24 hours.
The airline reported that the plane returned due to a technical problem, but no further information has been released.

Nevertheless, smoke can be fatal especially when it comes from the cockpit. It is usually the electrical failure or typical short circuits which lead to such events.
Moreover, the cause of the smoke has the ability to vandalize vital systems and instruments. If this happens there is absolutely no way of going back.

Air France flight AF671 was lucky enough to get out of this situation by taking corrective actions at the right time.

What are your opinions on this incident? Would love to know in the comments!