Multiple passengers on a Delta Airlines flight departing from Salt Lake City on Sunday reported ear injuries and nose bleeds after the aircraft encountered pressurization problems at 10,000 feet, airline officials and passengers said.
The Boeing aircraft, carrying 140 passengers bound for Portland, Oregon, was “unable to pressurize above 10,000 feet,” according to a Delta spokesperson. The incident occurred on Flight 1203 on September 15.
Passenger Jaci Purser told local media KSL TV that she experienced a “stabbing” pain in her ear. “I grabbed my ear, and then I pulled my hand back, and there was blood on it,” Purser said.
Another passenger, Caryn Allen, described the scene: “I looked about a row behind me, over on the other side of the aisle, and there was a gentleman that clearly had a very bad bloody nose, and people were trying to help him.”
The Delta spokesperson confirmed to People magazine that “oxygen masks did not deploy” during the incident. Passengers also reported feeling the plane dip before it was rerouted back to Salt Lake International Airport.
Upon landing, at least 10 people required medical evaluation or treatment, according to the airline. No serious injuries were reported.
“We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on Sept. 15,” the Delta spokesperson said in a statement. “The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs.”
Delta Airlines reported that passengers were accommodated on another flight, and technicians addressed the pressurization issue on the affected aircraft. The plane was reportedly returned to service the following day.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that the incident is under investigation.
Aviation experts note that cabin pressurization is crucial for passenger comfort and safety at high altitudes. Rapid changes in pressure can cause discomfort and, in some cases, injuries to passengers’ ears and sinuses.
