Delta Flight Turns Back Mid-Flight Due to ‘Unpleasant Odor’

UPDATE: A Delta Air Lines flight was forced to turn back shortly after takeoff due to a detected “unpleasant odor” in the cabin. The incident occurred on the evening of October 18, 2023, as Flight 2311 departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) bound for Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

The flight, carrying 189 passengers and a crew of six, took off just before the unsettling smell was reported. Delta officials confirmed that the odor was traced back to a spoiled food item brought on board by a passenger, not any food or beverages provided by the airline.

A spokesperson for Delta stated,

“As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew, our team followed standard procedures to safely return to Los Angeles after the unpleasant odor was detected onboard. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels.”

The flight promptly returned to LAX, landing safely. Following a thorough inspection, the aircraft was cleared for another departure. According to data from FlightAware, the flight eventually took off for Salt Lake City again several hours after its initial departure, with passengers deplaning normally.

This incident highlights the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, prioritizing immediate action in response to onboard concerns. Passengers on Flight 2311 experienced an unexpected delay, but the airline’s adherence to safety protocols ensured they were not at risk.

As Delta continues to address the situation, travelers are reminded of the importance of adhering to airline policies regarding food items. This developing story emphasizes the airline’s ongoing efforts to maintain a safe flying environment for all passengers.

Stay tuned for further updates on this incident and its implications for air travel safety.