Delta Passengers Sickened Mid-Flight After ‘Unknown Odor or Fumes’ Fill Cabin

Passengers on Delta Flight Fall Ill Mid-Flight Due to Mysterious Odor

Several Passengers were taken ill after the aircraft landed at San Antonio airport
By Colson Thayer

A Delta Air Lines flight was met with an emergency situation when it landed at San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday morning following reports of an unidentifiable odor or fumes permeating the cabin. As a result of this incident, five passengers reported feeling unwell upon arrival.

The unsettling event unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, at San Antonio International Airport. According to a statement from a spokesperson for the San Antonio Fire Department, they received an initial report at 6:44 a.m. local time. In response, the department dispatched 13 units to the scene, with four specifically assigned to the airport for assistance.
Joe Arrington, the fire department’s public information officer, confirmed that there were indications of an unknown odor or fumes within the cabin of the Delta aircraft. After the plane touched down safely, all units except one EMS team were stood down. The EMS team, alongside four airport fire department units, assessed five individuals from the flight who had reported feeling unwell.
Fortunately, none of the affected individuals required hospital transportation or further medical attention from the EMS. By 8 a.m., all fire department units had concluded their operation at the scene. The San Antonio Express-News reported that the airport received three separate medical calls that morning, with one involving a Delta flight.
Despite requests for comments, there was no immediate response from Delta Air Lines, the San Antonio Police Department, or San Antonio International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) previously stated in a September 4 post that studies have shown the air quality in aircraft cabins is comparable or even superior to that found in typical indoor settings.
Nevertheless, mechanical issues such as engine oil seal failures or problems with the recirculation fan bearing can lead to fumes entering the cabin. A report by The Wall Street Journal highlighted a concerning trend of passengers and crew members falling ill due to toxic fumes, with long-term exposure posing serious health risks that cannot be overlooked.
Robert Kaniecki, a neurologist who has treated numerous pilots and flight attendants over the past two decades for brain injuries related to fume exposure, drew parallels between the symptoms experienced and those of a chemical concussion. According to Kaniecki, the effects are reminiscent of the impact felt by NFL linebackers after sustaining significant hits.
As investigations continue into the incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by fume exposure on aircraft. The safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain a top priority for airlines and regulatory authorities, highlighting the importance of addressing and mitigating such instances to prevent harm and ensure a secure travel environment.