Delta Air Lines Faces Scrutiny After Multiple Incidents
Delta Air Lines is facing increased scrutiny following a series of recent incidents, including turbulence-related injuries, a damaged aircraft component, and a pilot arrested for being under the influence of alcohol.
A recent Delta flight experienced turbulence resulting in injuries to passengers and crew. The flight landed safely at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where medical personnel evaluated those affected. While the exact timing of the turbulence and whether the seatbelt sign was illuminated remain unconfirmed, Delta has acknowledged the incident and is responding to inquiries.
This incident follows a near-miss less than a month prior, where passengers on a Delta flight from Orlando to Austin observed damage to a wing during flight. A flap partially detached, but the aircraft landed safely. Delta had previously stated passenger and crew safety is its top priority.
Further compounding concerns, on July 30th, a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam encountered severe turbulence, resulting in 25 injuries requiring hospitalization.
Separately, a Delta pilot was detained at Arlanda Airport in stockholm at the end of July before a scheduled flight to New York. A blood alcohol test revealed the pilot was over the legal limit, leading to the flight’s cancellation and impacting 198 passengers. The pilot faces potential loss of their aviation license and possible imprisonment. Swedish authorities are handling the investigation, with potential involvement from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which could impose additional penalties.
