Philadelphia Mayor Kenney's non-stop flight to Iceland diverted to Boston

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A flight with Philadelphia's mayor on board that was supposed to mark the first of many non-stop flights between Philadelphia and Iceland had to be diverted to Boston due to mechanical issues.

Mayor Jim Kenney was on the Icelandair flight, which left Philadelphia International Airport Tuesday night bound for Reykjavik, Iceland.

A website tracking commercial flights shows the plane was diverted around 10:45 p.m. and landed in Boston around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Action News has learned the diversion was caused by a mechanical problem.

One passenger said the problem appeared to be coming from the back of the plane. He said he noticed a strange smell in the cabin when he boarded.

Icelandair tweeted an apology for the "inconvenience" in response to a reporter on board the flight.

On Twitter Wednesday morning, Kenney said, "Still best in-flight meal I ever had - excited to continue to Iceland today! Thanks Icelandair for handling with excellent customer service!"

Kenny's spokeswoman said it is tradition for mayors to visit each other's cities when new international routes are established.

Reykjavik Mayor Dagur Eggertsson spent two days touring Philadelphia.

Kenney is scheduled to return Saturday.

The diverted flight is expected to leave Boston Wednesday afternoon and land in Iceland at 1:30 a.m. Thursday.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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