DETROIT- On December 10, 2023, over 300 passengers on a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Detroit (DTW) experienced an extensive travel ordeal, enduring a 36-hour disruption after their journey encountered multiple setbacks, according to WWJ.
The originally scheduled landing at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. was disrupted when the flight had to divert to Goose Bay, Newfoundland, due to an in-flight emergency related to an engine issue, as WWJ’s Jonathan Carlson reported on Monday afternoon.
Delta Detroit Flight Diverted
The passengers endured a 12-hour delay in Goose Bay before a replacement flight finally arrived. Unfortunately, their ordeal persisted as the relief flight’s pilot exceeded legal duty hours, causing an additional delay into Monday.
Reports of icing at the airport prompted a temporary shutdown, adding to the challenges faced by the stranded passengers.
Boarding their rescheduled flight to Detroit at 2 p.m. on Monday, the fatigued travelers hoped to land at DTW shortly after 5:30 p.m. This marked more than a full day after the initially scheduled arrival and nearly 36 hours since departing from Amsterdam.
Due to the limited availability of hotels in the small Canadian town, numerous passengers were compelled to spend the night in barracks.
Carlson noted that many passengers, including those with elderly relatives and young children, were visibly distressed by the absence of accommodations and the extended stay in the unfamiliar community.
The exact cause of the engine issue, which prompted the initial diversion to Goose Bay, remains unclear, further contributing to the frustrations of the affected passengers.
This incident highlights the challenges and uncertainties that air travelers may encounter, even during routine flights.
Similar Incident
Passengers aboard a United Airlines (UA) flight, UA40, traveling from Newark (EWR) to Rome (FCO), found themselves stranded for over seven hours on an airplane without air conditioning.
Reports from passengers on social media indicate that a malfunction in the air conditioning system caused the delay. The flight is usually operated by advanced Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
During the ordeal, passengers were provided with minimal food and water, and there were accounts of at least one passenger fainting and needing medical assistance.
United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement provided to USA TODAY, explaining that the flight had to be canceled due to regulations related to the duty hours of the flight crew as mandated by federal regulations.
“On July 3rd, United Flight 40 had to return to the gate at Newark Liberty Airport due to a temperature problem on board. During the stop, we gave passengers the option to disembark and later offered them snacks and drinks. Unfortunately, our flight crew surpassed their legally allowed working hours, leading to the cancellation of the flight. We sincerely apologize for not being able to deliver a more satisfactory travel experience and have extended compensation as a gesture in the hopes of inviting them on future journeys.”United Statement to USA Today
For passengers, this experience was undoubtedly exasperating. Regrettably, they probably won’t be eligible for further compensation beyond possible ticket refunds.
Under the Department of Transportation guidelines, airlines are mandated to offer passengers sustenance and beverages during tarmac delays lasting more than two hours.
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