UPDATE: A Delta Air Lines flight was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) shortly after takeoff due to an alarming “unpleasant odor” detected in the cabin. The incident occurred on the evening of October 18, 2023, impacting 189 passengers who were en route to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
Officials confirm that Flight 2311 departed from LAX but had to turn back mid-flight when the unpleasant smell was reported. Delta representatives 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 odor was detected.”
The airline has clarified that the smell originated from a spoiled food item brought onboard by a passenger, not from any food or beverages provided by Delta. This swift response ensured passenger safety and comfort, even as it caused a significant delay.
Data from FlightAware shows that the flight eventually resumed its journey to Salt Lake City several hours after its initial departure. Delta reports that all passengers were able to deplane safely upon landing.
This incident highlights the importance of adhering to airline food regulations, as certain items can pose unexpected issues during flights. Passengers are reminded to check the Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines regarding what food can be carried onto airplanes.
As of now, Delta Air Lines is working to ensure that the affected passengers are accommodated and that their travel plans are back on track. The airline has apologized for the disruption caused by this incident and is committed to maintaining high safety standards.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.