A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Distraction; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Returned To Gate
Aircraft
Left gate to takeoff. Thunderstorms and wind change caused us to delay takeoff. While waiting; with engines shutdown and APU running; we started smelling a smell that caused burning in the throat and eyes. Flight attendants and passengers also noticed. Restarting the engine; we changed bleed configuration. No change. The burning smell increased over time. I decided to return to the gate since things were getting worse. We deplaned as soon as possible.
A319 Captain reported a return to the gate after fumes overcame both cockpit and cabin; while they held on taxiway.