An American Airlines flight bound for Phoenix was dramatically forced to make an emergency landing in Houston on Sunday after a foul odour, later identified as fumes, permeated the aircraft.
In-Flight Emergency Sparks Diversion
Flight 2118, an Airbus A321, had departed from Orlando International Airport at approximately 6pm and was only an hour into its journey when the alarming situation unfolded. The cabin crew reported detecting a mysterious and unpleasant smell both in the cockpit and throughout the flight deck, prompting immediate action.
The pilot subsequently made the decision to divert the aircraft, communicating a request for medical assistance on the ground 'out of an abundance of caution,' according to an airline statement. The plane was safely redirected to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, landing just after 7pm.
Hospitalisations and Response
Upon landing, first responders were already positioned and waiting at the gate. As a precautionary measure, four crew members and one passenger were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. The current condition of the five individuals remains unclear at this time.
American Airlines confirmed that the flight later continued to Phoenix on a replacement aircraft. The airline issued a statement thanking its team members for their professionalism and apologising to customers for the disruption to their travel plans.
Official Investigation Launched
In the wake of the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially launched an investigation to determine the precise cause and source of the fumes aboard the aircraft. Such probes are standard procedure for events of this nature to ensure ongoing flight safety and prevent future occurrences.
