Serious incident to the Airbus A320 registered EI-DEJ operated by Aer Lingus on 24/04/24 during descent toward Dublin (IRELAND)

Preliminary data based on the notification from the Irish authorities:

The aircraft was positioning back empty from LEMD (after landing gear maintenance) with two cockpit crew on-board. After takeoff, the Captain (PF) detected a slight chemical type odour, similar to when a hot iron burns clothes. The odour was light and was not detected by the First Officer. During the cruise the odour eventually dissipated in the flight deck but was detectable in the aft galley. During the descent into EIDW, on the downwind and passing approximately 6,500ft, a very strong chemical odour was encountered in the flight deck. Such was the severity of the chemical odour, the Captain immediately ordered the use of the integrated oxygen masks. Communication was established and the approach was continued. As the aircraft was already turning towards the localiser, no assistance was sought from ATC and all efforts were focused on completing the approach. The Captain and First Officer removed their oxygen masks at approximately 600ft to help with visibility and communication and noted that the odour had diminished but was still readily detectable. The aircraft landed normally and vacated and taxied to stand.