Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Portugal After Smoke Detected in Cabin
The flight from Barcelona to Boston was diverted, and 14 passengers required medical attention.
A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Boston was forced to make an emergency landing in Porto, Portugal, on Sunday after smoke was detected in the cabin. The flight, which departed from Barcelona, Spain, carried 283 passengers and 13 crew members.
According to Portugal's civil protection service, 14 passengers required medical attention following the diversion. Four of these passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of smoke inhalation and were described as being only lightly affected.
A Delta spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, "The flight landed safely, and we apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels as we work to get them to Boston as safely and quickly as possible." The airline is working to rebook affected customers on alternative flights.
The diversion was reportedly due to a mechanical issue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notes that in rare instances, mechanical problems such as failures in an engine oil seal or recirculation fan bearings can lead to fumes entering the cabin. Airlines are required to report such incidents to the FAA, which investigates the causes and ensures repairs are made before the aircraft returns to service.