A Delta Air Lines Flight was forced to stop on a remote volcanic island after a mechanical fault prompted an emergency landing.
According to a report by Aviation A2Z, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-323 departed from Madrid en route to JFK in New York on July 6. However, the aircraft suffered an engine failure mid-flight while over the North Atlantic. The pilot declared an emergency after a “loud bang” indicated a mechanical issue. Passengers onboard reportedly heard the noise, which was accompanied by a noticeable jolt.
The outlet explains that the crew held their composure despite the unusual circumstances. Still, passengers were reportedly anxious, with some crying and praying in the cabin. There was reportedly no visible damage to the plane engines, but some passengers reported hearing “whizzing and whirring” sounds.
Passengers On Board The Delta Aircraft Were Held For Several Hours
Aviation A2Z explains that the Delta plane landed at Lajes Airport, which is a Portuguese Air Force base. The aircraft landed without issue, and no injuries were reported among staff or passengers. Authorities had to tow the aircraft to a civilian terminal. Passengers were held in a temporary terminal for multiple hours before they were processed, and Delta reportedly arranged accommodation for many travelers.
According to a report by People, Lajes Airport is on Terceria Island. It is the third largest of nine volcanic islands in the Azores archipelago. Delta released a statement to FOX Business, stating, “As safety comes before all else at Delta, the flight crew followed procedures to divert to Lajes, Azores (TER) after indication of a mechanical issue with an engine. The flight landed safely, and we sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience and delay in their travels.”
The outlet also notes that the plane was carrying 282 passengers and 13 crew members at the time. Aviation A2Z reports that Delta sent a replacement aircraft to pick up stranded passengers and take them to New York. The damaged plane is allegedly grounded at Terceria Island and is pending an engine replacement.
An Allegiant Air flight also made an emergency stop earlier this month, albeit for an entirely different reason. A passenger on board thought it was a good idea to tell another flyer that his laptop was a bomb shortly after takeoff. The pilot returned the plane to its origin airport in Florida, and the FBI is involved. Authorities determined there was no bomb on board after sweeping the aircraft with a K9 unit.