Delta Air Lines has faced a series of unsettling incidents, including smoke or haze in two flights and a separate crash that injured over 20 people. On Monday morning, a Boeing 717 flight departed Atlanta for Columbia, South Carolina, but had to return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport due to “haze” inside the aircraft.
The plane, which carried 94 customers, was declared airworthy in 1999 and followed procedures, declaring an emergency to prioritize handling from air traffic control. Upon landing, emergency slides were deployed for egress. Two passengers received treatment but were released.
Delta teams arranged ground transportation and rebooking for affected passengers, while another aircraft continued the flight to Columbia. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the incident.
Recent incidents involving Delta flights have raised concerns about safety protocols. A separate Delta flight experienced smoke in its galley last Saturday night, forcing it to return to Los Angeles Airport. Additionally, a Delta-operated Endeavor Air plane crashed and landed upside down at Toronto Pearson Airport after departing from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, injuring over 20 people.
A Delta spokesperson apologized for the experience, stating that safety is the top priority and they are in contact with impacted passengers. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Source: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/delta-flight-forced-return-atlanta-airport-monday-morning-because-haze