A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Detroit Metro Airport was forced to divert on Thursday after passengers reported a mysterious odour emanating from the cockpit. The aircraft, Flight 337, was rerouted to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Emergency Declaration and Safe Landing
The flight departed from Orlando with 187 passengers and six crew members on board. The crew declared an emergency due to the strange smell, according to an airline spokesperson. Delta confirmed that the plane landed safely in Charlotte.
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, and we apologise for their experience and delay in travel," Delta said in a statement.
Passenger Accommodations
The spokesperson noted that the aircraft is being evaluated. Passengers were provided with hotel and meal vouchers for an overnight stay. The flight is scheduled to continue to Detroit on Friday.
The cause of the odour remains unknown. Delta has not released any additional information at this time.
Similar Odour Incident in Illinois
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, residents in two US towns reported a revolting "rotten egg" smell. Over 500 residents in Frankfort, Illinois, called emergency services to report a foul stench. Fire crews were dispatched to investigate the odour, described as a "strong gas smell."
The source was traced to a possible chemical spill in the village of University Park, though the smell was also detected in neighbouring towns. On local Facebook pages, residents commented on the reek, with one user stating, "Ok I thought I was going crazy, I smelled it as soon as I walked out of my house in Orland... I thought the smell was following me."
