A recent incident on an American Airlines flight resulted in a medical emergency that required the aircraft to divert to Houston. On November 23, 2023, Flight 2118, which was en route from Orlando International Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, experienced a significant issue shortly after takeoff. Approximately one hour into the flight, passengers began to report a foul odour, prompting the crew to take action.
The Airbus A321 departed Orlando around 18:00 local time, but by 19:00, crew members had detected an unpleasant smell in the cockpit and throughout the cabin. In response to the situation, the pilot initiated communication requesting medical assistance “out of an abundance of caution,” according to an official statement from American Airlines.
Upon landing in Houston, first responders were waiting at the gate. They assessed four crew members and one passenger who required medical attention and transported them to the hospital. The conditions of those hospitalized remain unclear at this time. Following this incident, the aircraft was replaced, allowing the flight to continue to its destination shortly thereafter.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the odour that caused the diversion. An American Airlines spokesperson expressed gratitude for the professionalism of the crew and extended apologies to passengers for the disruption to their travel plans.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about airplane food and its impact on passenger experience. According to travel experts, many seasoned travellers often choose to decline in-flight meals to improve their chances of rest during long flights. Kris, a flight attendant, noted in an interview with CNN Travel that the timing of meal service does not always align well with passengers’ acclimatization and time zone changes.
As the investigation unfolds, American Airlines continues to prioritize passenger safety and comfort while addressing the issues that led to this unusual event. The airline affirmed its commitment to transparency and cooperation with the FAA’s inquiry.
