Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Salt Lake City

Delta Air Lines flight 1203 made an emergency landing in Salt Lake City following what appeared to be a cabin pressurization problem, leaving passengers in distress.

At a Glance

Delta Air Lines flight 1203 faced a problem with cabin pressure, prompting an emergency landing.
The FAA is investigating the incident.
A total of 10 passengers reportedly required medical attention.
The aircraft landed safely in Salt Lake City.

Emergency Landing Due to Pressurization Fault

Delta Air Lines flight 1203, traveling from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Portland, Oregon, experienced a cabin pressure issue on Sunday morning. This unexpected issue forced the pilots to declare an emergency and execute an unplanned landing back at Salt Lake City International Airport. The malfunction prevented the aircraft from pressurizing above 10,000 feet, though oxygen masks did not deploy.

Pilots acted swiftly, descending the aircraft below 10,000 feet and landing without further incident around 8:30 a.m. local time. According to the FAA, a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the pressurization fault. The response from air traffic controllers captured in audio reveals the urgency of the situation: “Descending below 10,000 per cabin altitude warning,” pilots reported, “And Delta 1203 we’re declaring an emergency.”

10 Delta passengers receive medical attention following emergency landing in Salt Lake Cityhttps://t.co/E1Nn7XGgDC

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Medical Attention for Injured Passengers

The incident left 10 passengers in need of medical attention. Upon landing, paramedics promptly met the flight at the gate. Passengers suffered from severe pain, bloody noses, and ruptured eardrums. Caryn Allen noticed her husband in significant discomfort, while Jaci Purser felt intense ear pain and discovered her ear was bleeding.

“I looked over at my husband, and he had both of his hands over his ears, you know, kind of leaning forward,” Allen said when describing the situation on the plane.

Delta Airlines apologized and offered to cover transportation costs for customers needing to visit medical facilities. “We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on Sept. 15,” Delta 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.”

Incident and Investigation

The flight departed on September 15, 2024, with 140 passengers aboard. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered a warning and halted its climb at 9,000 feet. The plane circled over the Great Salt Lake before returning to Salt Lake International Airport, where it landed safely on runway 16R about 16 minutes after departure. A hard landing and heavy braking were reported. A replacement aircraft was provided, and the original plane returned to service after technicians resolved the issue.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and delay of their travels,” Delta stated. “The safety of our customers and people remains Delta’s most important priority.”

The FAA and Delta Airlines are conducting thorough investigations to ensure future flights’ safety. Passengers’ firsthand accounts described the unsettling experience of rapid altitude changes, strange engine noises, and ear discomfort. As the investigation continues, the aviation industry will look closely at the findings to determine what went wrong.