EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Physiological - Other; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
Aircraft pushed back on time and Safety Demo/ Compliance was completed. Passengers were complaining of a smell. I called FA-A to inform him my compliance was complete; galley secure; and I was in my jumpseat. I also informed him that passengers and I noticed an odor coming from the back of the cabin and AFT Galley. [Name] walked to AFT and agreed it was a very strong odor. [Name] then called CA to inform him. CA told us we would go back to the gate and deplane for maintenance to come on board. Aircraft went back to the gate and deplaned and maintenance came on board. I was then starting to get a headache. Maintenance and flight crew ran various tests and determined that one of the PAC's/Air Conditioner was inoperative. We then re-boarded passengers and redid a passenger count. 7 passengers had gotten off and were furious we had a 2 hour delay. We made it safely to ZZZ1.
Flight Attendant reported a fume event during taxi resulting in ground return for maintenance.